What's Happening?
The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons in an offseason trade, hoping to leverage his skills as an elite three-point shooter. Despite initial optimism, Simons has not met expectations in the first
two months of the season. He is averaging 13 points and 2.5 assists per game with a 56.9% True Shooting percentage. However, his usage rate is at its lowest in five seasons, and he is playing fewer minutes per game than in previous years. Simons' shooting, his primary strength, is underutilized, as he takes fewer pull-up threes compared to past seasons. This has led to speculation that the Celtics may not re-sign him after his contract expires at the end of the season.
Why It's Important?
Simons' underperformance and high salary of $27.6 million this season present a financial challenge for the Celtics. His limited role and the team's lack of need for his specific skill set make him an expensive luxury. The Celtics must decide whether to trade him before the February 5 trade deadline to free up salary space and potentially acquire a player who fits better into their long-term plans. This decision could impact the team's roster strategy and financial flexibility, influencing their competitiveness in the league.
What's Next?
The Celtics are likely to explore trading Simons before the trade deadline. This move would allow them to use his salary slot for a player who aligns with their future goals. The team may need to include draft capital in any trade to secure a more suitable player. The outcome of these decisions will affect the Celtics' roster composition and their ability to compete in the upcoming seasons.
