The Utah Jazz might not be climbing the standings, but they’re quietly positioning themselves as a potential key player at the trade deadline - especially when it comes to helping the Boston Celtics navigate a tricky financial situation. With a little cap room and some movable contracts, Utah is shaping up as a viable third team in a deal that could send Anfernee Simons out of Boston and help the Celtics duck under the luxury tax.
Now, let’s be clear: Simons has had his moments. He’s shown real scoring ability and flashes of playmaking that suggest he could thrive in the right role.
But for Boston, this isn’t just about on-court production - it’s about the long game. If they can get under the tax line this season, they reset the repeater tax penalty, which could be a big deal for a team that’s built to contend for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Jazz are slipping. After five straight losses, their hopes of sneaking into the Play-In Tournament are fading fast.
That changes the calculus. Instead of trying to add veteran help for a playoff push, they’re likely to lean into asset accumulation - and that’s where Simons comes in.
Why the Jazz Make Sense in a Simons Deal
Utah has just enough cap flexibility to absorb a bit of salary, and that’s crucial in a multi-team trade. They don’t have to take on long-term money, and they can use their space to help facilitate a deal that benefits everyone involved.
A potential framework could look something like this:
- Celtics receive: Kyle Anderson, Nick Richards
- Jazz receive: Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, two second-round picks (via Boston)
- Suns receive: Georges Niang, one second-round pick (via Boston)
Let’s break it down.
Boston’s Motivation: Get Below the Tax Line
The Celtics would be shedding about $15.8 million in salary in this proposed deal - enough to get under the tax threshold with a little room to spare. That’s not just a one-year savings; it resets the repeater clock, which could save Boston a significant amount over the next few seasons as they continue to build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
They’d also be getting back Kyle Anderson, a versatile forward who brings a little bit of everything - defense, ball movement, and playoff experience. His contract isn’t guaranteed for 2026-27, which gives Boston flexibility. Combine his deal with someone like Sam Hauser’s, and suddenly the Celtics have a decent salary chunk to work with in the offseason if they want to chase another rotation piece or bolster their frontcourt.
Nick Richards, while not a major contributor this season, adds some size and depth at the five - a position where Boston could always use more insurance behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford.
Utah’s Angle: Add Picks, Avoid Long-Term Money
For the Jazz, this is a classic asset play. They’d be taking on Simons and Boucher - both on expiring or manageable deals - and picking up a pair of second-round picks in the process. No long-term money, no major commitment, just a clean way to add to Danny Ainge’s ever-growing draft capital.
Simons could even get a chance to showcase his scoring chops in a bigger role down the stretch. If he clicks, maybe he becomes a longer-term piece. If not, the Jazz still come away with picks and cap flexibility.
Phoenix’s Play: Turn a Non-Rotation Player into a Pick
The Suns, meanwhile, are looking at a depleted draft cupboard and a player in Nick Richards who hasn’t cracked the rotation. Swapping him for Georges Niang - a stretch forward who can help space the floor - and a second-round pick might be a small move, but it’s one that adds value for a team that needs every asset it can get.
At this point, Phoenix should be looking for any opportunity to stockpile picks, and if they can do it by moving a player who isn’t seeing the floor, it’s a no-brainer.
The Bottom Line
This kind of three-team deal checks a lot of boxes. Boston gets under the tax and adds some useful depth.
Utah adds picks without taking on long-term salary. Phoenix picks up a draft asset and a player who might fit better in their system.
It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of smart, strategic trade that contenders and rebuilders alike need to consider at the deadline. And for the Jazz, it could be another savvy step in a long-term rebuild that’s quietly gaining momentum.