Could the Bucks Be the Key to Solving Boston’s Anfernee Simons Puzzle?
Anfernee Simons has been in Boston all season, but it hasn’t stopped the trade chatter from swirling. Ever since he arrived from Portland in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday west, there’s been a lingering sense that Simons might not be a long-term fit with the Celtics. And now, with reports that the Milwaukee Bucks showed interest in Simons over the summer, that buzz is heating back up.
Let’s be clear: a deal wouldn’t be simple. The Celtics would likely have to absorb an undesirable contract or loop in a third team to make the money work. But if there’s a team that makes sense for Simons, it might just be Milwaukee.
Simons in Boston: A Mixed Bag So Far
Simons has had moments in Boston, but it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Transitioning into a bench role after being a starter in Portland hasn’t been seamless. His scoring has been streaky, and defensively, he’s had his struggles-something that stands out even more on a Celtics team that prides itself on its two-way identity.
Still, the numbers tell a story of a player who can help the right team. He’s averaging 13.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting a solid 43.9% from the field and a sharp 41.4% from three on over six attempts per night. That kind of perimeter efficiency isn’t easy to find, and it’s exactly what a team like the Bucks could use.
Why Milwaukee Makes Sense
The Bucks have been searching for more offensive support for Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially in lineups where he sits. Simons could slot into that role nicely. He’s a capable shot creator, a confident shooter, and someone who wouldn’t need the ball in his hands constantly to be effective.
Pairing Simons with a shooter like Ryan Rollins would give Milwaukee another layer of spacing around Giannis, opening up driving lanes and forcing defenses to pick their poison. And given how much the Bucks have struggled when Giannis is off the floor, adding another scorer who can keep the offense afloat could be a smart move.
The Contract Conundrum
Here’s where it gets complicated. Simons is on an expiring deal, which gives Boston some flexibility-but it also means they’d likely have to take back a longer contract to make a trade work. That’s where someone like Kyle Kuzma comes into the picture.
Kuzma’s deal isn’t exactly team-friendly, especially compared to the expiring nature of Simons’ contract. For Boston, taking on that kind of salary might not be worth it unless they’re confident they can flip Kuzma again before the deadline-or unless they see real value in what he brings to the table.
The other option? Bring in a third team to help facilitate the deal and absorb some of the salary. That would take some maneuvering, but it’s not out of the question if all sides are motivated.
A Trade That Makes Sense-If the Details Work
Boston’s been trying to figure out what to do with Simons for a while now. He’s talented, no doubt, but he might not be the right piece for what the Celtics are building.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has a clear need for another shot creator and floor spacer. On paper, it’s a match.
But as always, the devil’s in the details. If the Celtics can find a way to offload Simons without getting stuck with a contract they don’t want-or if they’re willing to take that risk in hopes of flipping it later-this could be the move that helps both teams.
For now, it’s just talk. But with the trade deadline creeping closer, don’t be surprised if the Bucks and Celtics find themselves back at the table, trying to work out a deal that helps them both get a little closer to where they want to be.