The Boston Celtics continue to position themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference, and they are widely expected to be active buyers ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. However, Brad Stevens and the front office are not in a hurry to make a move just for the sake of making one.
Anfernee Simons has been a frequent name in trade rumors since arriving over the offseason, as moving him could help trim the salary sheet while opening the door to reinforce the big-man rotation. Yet with Simons thriving in his sixth-man role this season, Boston appears in no rush to part with him.
Bulls Previously Offered Vucevic for Simons + First-Rounder According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, earlier in the season — well before Boston surged to second place in the East — the Chicago Bulls inquired about trading center Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a Celtics first-round pick. The deal would have lowered Boston’s tax burden, but the Celtics declined.
Scotto reported:
“Chicago inquired on the possibility of trading center Nikola Vucevic for Simons and a Celtics first-round pick, which would have lowered Boston’s tax bill, but the Celtics weren’t interested, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Why Boston Passed
Price too high: The Bulls wanted a first-round pick — an asset Boston is unwilling to part with just to offload Simons.
Simons is performing well: He has settled in as a reliable sixth man, providing scoring and spacing off the bench. There is no longer the same urgency to move him as there was earlier in the season.
Vucevic not a must-have: While Vucevic remains a dependable center (17.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 37.1% 3PT this season), Boston believes it can find a better or more cost-effective solution at the 5 without paying a premium.
Celtics’ Deadline Priorities Boston remains in search of a legitimate starting center to solidify the frontcourt and improve rebounding, but they will only act if the deal aligns with long-term value. They are not desperate to “dump” Simons or sacrifice draft capital simply to improve the balance sheet. With strong current form and solid chemistry, the Celtics are not looking to disrupt what is working unless the right opportunity presents itself.
Celtics Nation — do you think Boston should keep Simons and wait for a better center target? Or would you move him if the right deal emerges?