The Boston Celtics, reigning 2024 NBA champions, faced a devastating blow last season when Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs. Determined to stay competitive while managing their salary cap, Boston made bold offseason moves, trading Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons and Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. With Tatum sidelined for 2025-26, the Celtics are now eyeing further roster tweaks, with Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Xavier Tillman emerging as potential trade candidates. Can these moves keep Boston in contention and set them up for a title run when Tatum returns? Join the discussion below—what’s next for the Celtics, and who should they trade to stay elite?
Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles in the 2024 playoffs forced the Boston Celtics into a strategic overhaul. By trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston ducked below the NBA’s second apron, preserving financial flexibility while maintaining a core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. However, with Tatum out for the 2025-26 season, the Celtics are poised to make additional trades before the deadline, targeting players like Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Xavier Tillman. This analysis explores Boston’s offseason shakeup, the trade potential of these three players, and how the Celtics are building toward a 2026-27 title run.
Boston’s Offseason Overhaul: Navigating Tatum’s Absence
When Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles in the second round of the 2024 playoffs, the Celtics’ championship aspirations took a hit. Tatum, averaging 30.3 points and 8.3 rebounds last season, was the cornerstone of their title-winning campaign. To manage their luxury tax burden and stay competitive, Boston executed two major trades. First, they sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, adding a young scoring guard. Then, they traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, shedding his $29.7 million salary. An X post from CelticsPride captured the sentiment: “Losing Tatum hurts, but trading Holiday and KP to stay under the second apron? Smart move for the future.”
These moves dropped Boston below the second apron, avoiding harsh salary cap penalties while preserving a talented core. Jaylen Brown (26.6 points per game last season) and Derrick White (15.2 points, 4.9 assists) remain the offensive and defensive anchors, with Payton Pritchard (9.6 points, 44.4% from three) providing spark off the bench. However, Tatum’s absence leaves a massive void, and Boston’s 2024-25 record of 50-32 (projected to dip without Tatum) underscores the need for roster adjustments. With the trade deadline approaching, Simons, Hauser, and Tillman are the names generating buzz as potential trade chips.
Anfernee Simons: A Misfit or a Trade Asset?
Acquired in the Holiday trade, Anfernee Simons brings scoring flair to Boston but faces questions about his fit. The 26-year-old guard averaged 22.6 points and 5.5 assists with Portland last season, showcasing his dynamic shot-making and playmaking. However, his ball-dominant style clashes with Boston’s team-oriented system under coach Joe Mazzulla, and his defensive limitations (113.8 defensive rating) raise concerns alongside White and Pritchard. An X post from NBATradeTalks noted, “Simons is a bucket-getter, but does he fit Boston’s defense-first identity? Trade rumors are swirling.”
If Simons struggles to mesh, Boston could flip him for assets to bolster their 2026-27 roster, when Tatum is expected to return. Teams like the Orlando Magic or Washington Wizards, seeking offensive firepower, might offer young players or draft picks for Simons. His $25.3 million salary is movable, and his youth aligns with Boston’s long-term vision. Trading Simons could net a defensive wing or frontcourt depth, addressing Boston’s current 12th-ranked defensive rating (112.3). However, if Simons adapts, his scoring could keep the Celtics competitive, making the decision to trade him a delicate balance.
Sam Hauser: A Sharpshooter in Demand
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30)
Sam Hauser, a 27-year-old forward, has been a frequent name in trade rumors due to his elite shooting. With a career 42.0% three-point percentage, Hauser averaged 9.0 points in 22.0 minutes last season, proving his value as a floor-spacer. His $2.1 million contract is a bargain, making him an attractive target for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, who crave outside shooting. An X post from HoopsRumors speculated, “Hauser’s 42% from deep makes him a hot commodity—Boston might cash in if the offer’s right.”
Despite his value, Boston has been reluctant to move Hauser, whose shooting complements Brown and White. However, with the Celtics eyeing salary cuts, his expiring contract could be leveraged for a higher-salary player or draft assets. Trading Hauser risks weakening Boston’s perimeter game, but a package involving a versatile forward or additional picks could outweigh the loss, especially if Boston prioritizes 2026-27. The decision hinges on whether Mazzulla sees Hauser as indispensable or a luxury they can afford to trade.
Xavier Tillman: A Declining Role and Trade Potential
Xavier Tillman, acquired from Memphis at the 2023 trade deadline, was a key bench contributor during Boston’s 2024 title run, averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20.7 minutes. However, last season saw his role diminish, with minutes dropping to 7.0 per game and production falling to 2.0 points due to injuries (33 games played). An X post from CelticsFanatic sighed, “Tillman was clutch in ‘23, but injuries and less minutes tanked his impact last year.”
At 26, Tillman’s $2.2 million contract is affordable, but his reduced role and injury concerns make him a trade candidate. Boston’s frontcourt, thinned by Porzingis’ departure, relies on Al Horford (38) and Neemias Queta, heightening the need for depth. If Tillman fails to regain form, teams like the Toronto Raptors or Charlotte Hornets, needing defensive bigs, might offer a second-round pick or a rotational player. Trading Tillman could free up minutes for younger prospects like Queta, but it risks further depleting Boston’s frontcourt unless they secure a replacement.
Strategic Implications: Building for 2026-27
Boston’s offseason moves reflect a dual focus: staying competitive in 2025-26 while preparing for Tatum’s return. The Holiday and Porzingis trades prioritized financial flexibility, but further deals could reshape the roster. Trading Simons could bring a defensive anchor, Hauser could yield draft capital, and Tillman could address frontcourt concerns, all aligning with a 2026-27 title push. An X post from NBAStrategy mused, “Celtics are playing chess—cutting salary now to go all-in when Tatum’s back.”
The broader NBA landscape adds context. The Eastern Conference remains stacked, with teams like Milwaukee (48-34) and Philadelphia (47-35) poised to capitalize on Boston’s weakened state. Trading Simons, Hauser, or Tillman could provide assets to counter these threats, but missteps risk derailing Boston’s short-term competitiveness. Brad Stevens, Boston’s president of basketball operations, has a history of bold moves, as seen in acquiring Porzingis in 2023. His next trade could define whether the Celtics remain contenders or enter a transitional phase.
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury forced the Boston Celtics into a transformative offseason, with trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis signaling a strategic pivot. As they navigate the 2025-26 season without Tatum, Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Xavier Tillman emerge as potential trade candidates to cut salary and build for the future. Simons’ scoring, Hauser’s shooting, and Tillman’s defensive grit offer trade value, but each move carries risks. Can Boston balance immediate needs with a 2026-27 title run? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on the Celtics’ next big move!