Celtics Face Tough Decision on Keeping or Trading Anfernee Simons

Brad Stevens must weigh Simons' rising value against the team's luxury tax concerns.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:36am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a variety of colors, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The Celtics' trade dilemma over Anfernee Simons highlights the complex decisions facing the team as they balance roster needs and financial considerations with on-court chemistry and success.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics are facing a difficult trade decision regarding reserve guard Anfernee Simons. Simons, acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers last offseason, has emerged as a key contributor off the bench and helped the Celtics surge to a 9-3 record in December. However, Simons' $27.5 million expiring contract makes him a potential trade chip that could help the Celtics address needs at center or reduce their luxury tax bill. Coach Brad Stevens must now decide whether to keep Simons and ride the team's current momentum, or explore trade options that could strengthen the roster long-term.

Why it matters

The Celtics' surprising early-season success has complicated their plans for Simons, who was initially viewed as a trade candidate. Keeping Simons could provide valuable bench scoring and help the Celtics maintain their current chemistry, but moving him could open up financial flexibility or allow the team to address other roster needs. Stevens faces a challenging decision that will impact the Celtics' title aspirations this season.

The details

Simons, acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in June, has emerged as a consistent scoring threat off the Celtics' bench. In December, he ranks second in the NBA in plus-minus, with Boston outscoring opponents by 128 points when he's on the court. Simons is also helping the Celtics achieve their best offensive rating of the season, scoring 128 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor. His strong play has coincided with the Celtics' 9-3 record in December, making him a valuable part of the team's success.

  • Simons joined the Celtics from the Blazers in June 2025.
  • The Celtics have gone 9-3 in December 2025.
  • Simons delivered 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the Celtics' 129-119 win over the Jazz on Tuesday.

The players

Brad Stevens

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who must decide whether to keep or trade Anfernee Simons.

Anfernee Simons

The reserve guard for the Boston Celtics, acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason, who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench.

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics, who is expected to return to the lineup soon.

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What they’re saying

“Simons has played in every game this year, and the team is thriving with him on the floor, where he provides a potent scoring punch off the bench.”

— Brian Robb, Author

What’s next

Brad Stevens and the Celtics' front office will have to make a decision on Anfernee Simons' future in the coming weeks, as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

The takeaway

The Celtics' unexpected success with Anfernee Simons in the lineup has created a difficult decision for Brad Stevens and the team's management. Keeping Simons could help the Celtics maintain their chemistry and momentum, but trading him could open up financial flexibility or allow the team to address other roster needs. Stevens must weigh the short-term and long-term implications of his decision on Simons.