With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, the Eastern Conference is bracing for a flurry of moves. The Cleveland Cavaliers have already made their splash, and the James Harden rumors are heating up. But in Boston, the conversation isn’t about adding a superstar-it’s about holding onto one of the most quietly impactful players in their rotation: Anfernee Simons.
And based on the latest buzz, Celtics fans have every reason to feel optimistic.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Boston isn't expected to move Simons ahead of the deadline. And frankly, that lines up with what we’ve seen on the court. Simons has carved out a vital role with the Celtics’ second unit, providing the kind of scoring punch and floor spacing that championship-caliber teams need off the bench.
Now, if a blockbuster opportunity were to arise-say, involving a frontcourt upgrade like Ivica Zubac or even Jaren Jackson Jr.-then sure, Boston would have to take a hard look. But let’s be real: those kinds of deals are tough to pull off, especially when you factor in salary matching and long-term roster flexibility. Swapping Simons’ $27.7 million contract for a high-priced big would be a bold swing, but at this point, it seems more hypothetical than actionable.
So unless something unexpected materializes, the smart money is on Boston standing pat-and that might be the best move they can make.
Simons’ Emergence as a Key Piece
When the Celtics brought in Anfernee Simons from Portland, they weren’t just adding a scorer-they were betting on a player who could evolve into a two-way contributor on a team with championship aspirations. So far, that bet is paying off.
Simons has averaged 14.2 points in just 24.5 minutes per game, a testament to his efficiency and fit within Joe Mazzulla’s system. He’s hitting nearly 40% of his 6.7 three-point attempts per game, showing off the kind of range and confidence that stretches defenses and opens up the floor for Boston’s stars.
He’s dangerous off the catch, but what makes him especially valuable is his ability to create off the dribble. That dual-threat capability makes him a nightmare for second units and a seamless fit alongside primary creators like Jayson Tatum. It’s not hard to imagine lineups where Simons shares the floor with Boston’s starters, giving the offense another gear.
But what’s really turning heads inside the organization is his defensive growth.
A Defensive Mindset Shift
Simons came to Boston with a reputation as a scorer, but he’s made it clear he wants to be more than that. From day one, he’s been putting in the work-especially on the defensive end.
That transformation started with assistant coach Ross McMains, who made defense the priority before Simons even picked up a basketball. "We dedicated the first 30 minutes of the workout to playmaking on defense and positioning on defense," Simons said recently. "We let it be known early on that that was gonna be a focus, and we wanted to improve in that area."
And that focus is paying off. Whether it’s chasing down fast breaks, disrupting passing lanes, or locking in on the perimeter, Simons is showing a level of engagement and awareness that wasn’t always there in Portland. He’s averaging 1.2 deflections per game, a subtle but telling stat that reflects his activity and anticipation.
It’s not just about effort-it’s about intent. Simons is playing like a guy who wants to win, and he’s proving that he can contribute in ways that go beyond scoring.
The Bottom Line
Anfernee Simons isn’t just holding down the sixth-man role-he’s elevating it. His offensive versatility, defensive commitment, and team-first mentality have made him an integral part of what the Celtics are building. And unless a can’t-miss trade opportunity comes along (which, as of now, doesn’t seem likely), Boston is better off keeping him in the fold.
This is the kind of player you want in your playoff rotation. And come April, when the intensity ratchets up and every possession matters, Simons’ ability to score, space the floor, and hold his own defensively could be a difference-maker.
For now, the Celtics’ best move might be the one they don’t make.