NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Teams Have Celtics' Anfernee Simons On Their Radar

Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics guard could be flipped

Are the Boston Celtics finished their salary dump yet this summer? They did get under the second apron by shipping out Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, but amidst all the moves, they absorbed the $27.6 million contract of Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Could Simons be the next go, even before he pulls on a C's jersey?

After a couple of 20+ point per game seasons, Simons averaged 19.3 points last year with Portland, while adding 4.8 assists and 36.3% shooting from long range.

According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, three teams have interest in the 26-year-old, though there are serious questions about the fit in a couple of cases:

Philadelphia 76ers

After a completely lost season in 2024-25, the Sixers will pray for the health of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey this season. However, if they do re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, they are quite bit backcourt-heavy with the hopefully healthy return of rookie sensation Jaren McCain to go with Maxey and Grimes. Not sure how Simons would fit in that case.

Denver Nuggets

"The Nuggets have already made one big trade this summer, acquiring forward Cam Johnson from the Nets for forward Michael Porter Jr. They are said to be looking for backcourt help behind starters Jamal Murray and Christian Braun — but given their salary constraints, it would take a minor miracle to pull off another deal," writes Amico.

Milwaukee Bucks

This is a team that is still trying to do what it can to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay, and not ask for a trade. They lost Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez this summer, but signed center Myles Turner. Do they need to make one more move for a scorer to make this team a viable contender in the East? Outside of Kevin Porter and Gary Trent Jr. (each of whom has questions surrounding them), the Bucks' backcourt is thin, and Simons could be a nice boost.