The NBA offseason just got a seismic shake-up as the Boston Celtics, fresh off a blockbuster trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, are reportedly poised to move Anfernee Simons in a stunning three-team deal. With the Celtics delicately navigating the second luxury tax apron after acquiring Josh Minott, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens is wasting no time reshaping the roster for a future title run. According to a recent CelticsBlog article by Jake Issenberg, the proposed trade could send Simons to the Memphis Grizzlies, bringing significant roster flexibility and new talent to Boston.
The Trade Breakdown
Here’s how the proposed three-team trade shakes out:
Boston Celtics Get: Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers) and John Konchar (Memphis Grizzlies).
Los Angeles Lakers Get: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Georges Niang.
Memphis Grizzlies Get: Anfernee Simons.
Issenberg calls this a “potential home run” for Boston’s front office, and it’s easy to see why. By trading Simons, who carries a hefty $27.6 million expiring contract, the Celtics would save $11.4 million while acquiring two players to address key needs. Hachimura, a versatile forward earning $18.25 million in the final year of his deal, fills a critical frontcourt role for Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. Meanwhile, Konchar, a reliable role player, provides depth and could either contribute immediately or be flipped in a future deal for additional savings.
Why Simons Is on the Move
Anfernee Simons, a dynamic scoring guard, joined the Celtics earlier this summer as part of the Jrue Holiday trade. While his offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive limitations, high salary, and expiring contract make him a tricky fit for a Celtics team retooling around Jayson Tatum’s eventual return from an Achilles injury. NBA Insider Jake Fischer, speaking on a Bleacher Report live stream, noted that while Boston isn’t aggressively shopping Simons, they’re “actively open” to moving him.
“They’re not married to having him start the season in green and white,” Fischer said, “but they’d be happy to keep him if that’s how things play out.”
Simons’ electrifying scoring ability makes him an attractive asset for a team like Memphis, which could use his offensive punch to complement their gritty defensive identity. However, his lack of long-term security with Boston signals that Stevens is prioritizing flexibility and roster balance as the franchise prepares for a new era.
Al Horford’s Uncertain Future
Adding another layer of intrigue to Boston’s offseason, veteran big man Al Horford remains an unrestricted free agent, and his next move is far from certain. With the Celtics not projected to contend in the 2025-26 season, the 39-year-old could opt for retirement or sign with a new team. Rumors have swirled about a potential move to the Golden State Warriors, though ESPN’s Marc J. Spears recently reported that Horford is hesitant to relocate far from his family.
“Golden State expected him to sign last week, but he didn’t,” Spears said on NBA Today. “Lakers, Milwaukee, and Atlanta are also interested, but with a sixth child on the way and homes in Atlanta and Boston, moving to the West Coast might not be in the cards.”
Horford’s potential departure would sting for Celtics fans, who have cherished his leadership and clutch performances. Yet, with Stevens focused on building a championship-caliber roster, losing Horford and trading Simons may be necessary steps to position Boston for future success.
A Bold New Direction
This proposed trade underscores Brad Stevens’ relentless pursuit of roster optimization. Swapping Simons’ high salary for Hachimura’s versatility and Konchar’s cost-effective production could give Boston the flexibility to extend Hachimura or make additional moves. As the Celtics brace for a transitional season without Tatum, every decision is geared toward a triumphant return to title contention.
For now, the NBA world is buzzing with the possibility of this three-team blockbuster. If it comes to fruition, the Western Conference could see a revitalized Memphis squad, while Boston continues its calculated march toward another championship banner. Stay tuned—this offseason is far from over.