The NBA rumor mill is churning, and the Boston Celtics are at the heart of it. A high-ranking personnel executive recently sounded a note of urgency, not about a lightning-fast point guard or a tenacious defender, but about the need for speed in covering the team’s latest acquisition: Anfernee Simons. “If you’re doing a story about Simons’ fit with the Celtics, you’d better be quick about it,” he quipped with a knowing laugh. “Boston’s still out there talking trade, and he could be gone if the right move comes along.”
Simons’ Arrival: A Trade with Tradeoffs
The Celtics recently pulled off a blockbuster deal, acquiring the 6-foot-3 guard from the Portland Trail Blazers along with two second-round picks in exchange for defensive stalwart Jrue Holiday. While the trade awaits finalization due to NBA regulations, it’s already sparking heated discussions among scouts, executives, and analysts about Simons’ role in Boston’s championship-caliber roster.
One veteran scout didn’t hold back in his assessment of the 26-year-old guard. “He can really shoot. He can get his own shot,” the scout told Heavy Sports. “But he’s not very good defensively. He’s a little like Derrick White, kind of a combo guard—but without the defense Derrick gives you.” The scout sees Simons as more of a shooting guard than a true point guard, with playmaking ability but a glaring weakness on the defensive end. “His defense is clearly a concern, but he’s young,” the scout added. “Overall, it’s a good deal for Boston. They saved $40 million, got younger, and picked up two second-rounders. You do wonder why Portland gave up on him, but the guy can play.”
Sixth Man or Starter? The Simons Dilemma
Simons’ fit with the Celtics is far from straightforward. A league source familiar with the guard’s seven-year career offered a candid take: “He’s ideally your sixth man. He’d be a terrific sixth man on a viable contender.” The problem? Boston’s current roster dynamics. With Payton Pritchard already thriving as a sparkplug off the bench, slotting Simons into that role could force Pritchard into the starting lineup—a move that raises eyebrows.
“Well, yeah, so that’s the issue,” the source admitted. “Simons will likely start. He’s been a starter. But ideally, you’d like him as a sixth man. That’s where he fits best for a contender.” The source emphasized that Simons thrives with the ball in his hands, making him a high-usage player who’s less effective as a spot-up shooter alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. “If he’s the third guy with Tatum and Brown on the floor, his effectiveness is reduced,” the source explained. “He’s not really a spot-up guy. He needs the ball to create.”
With Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, known for its aggressive approach to roster-building, Simons’ tenure in green may be short-lived if a better opportunity arises. The executive’s warning about Simons potentially vanishing underscores the Celtics’ relentless pursuit of the perfect roster balance.
Big Men, Big Decisions: Horford and Kornet’s Future
While Simons’ role remains a question mark, Stevens is also navigating the future of Boston’s frontcourt. After the first round of the NBA Draft, Stevens expressed a desire to retain free agent big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Horford, a veteran of 18 years, has earned a fortune and may be open to a team-friendly deal to stay with the Celtics. Kornet, however, is a different story.
Coming off the most impactful season of his career, Kornet is poised for a significant pay raise. “Kornet’s clearly in for a payday,” a front-office source said. “Steven Adams got three years at $13 million per, and Daniel Gafford got $60 million over three years. The non-taxpayer mid-level exception is around $13 million; I’ll be surprised if Kornet doesn’t come in close to that.” The source praised Kornet’s scouting reports but noted he’s still a backup. “The question is what he’ll do with more minutes than he got in Boston. He was playing for the minimum, and he’s going to do much better than that—maybe $10 million per year.”
Navigating the Salary Cap Maze
Boston’s front office faces the delicate task of balancing these roster moves while dodging the NBA’s salary cap aprons, which impose strict penalties on high-spending teams. The savings from the Simons-Holiday trade provide some relief, but retaining Horford and Kornet while potentially reshaping the backcourt around Simons or another trade target will test Stevens’ financial acrobatics.
What’s Next for Boston?
The Celtics are in win-now mode, with Tatum and Brown anchoring a roster built for another title run. Simons’ scoring prowess could be a game-changer, but his defensive shortcomings and high-usage style raise questions about his long-term fit. If Stevens pulls the trigger on another trade, as the executive hinted, Simons could be a brief footnote in Boston’s championship chase.