Just 17 games into the season, first-year Celtics guard Anfernee Simons already finds himself in uncharted territory, more than two months before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
Simons, acquired from the
Trail Blazers just over four months ago, arrived in Boston as the organization’s marquee addition during a fire-sale offseason. The 26-year-old had just completed a strong 70-game stint in Portland, averaging 19.3 points on 42.6% shooting, and was expected to carve out a key role on the retooling Celtics, stepping in amid the absence of franchise superstar Jayson Tatum.
While Simons’ future was already uncertain before he even suited up for Boston, it could become even murkier in the coming weeks as the trade deadline approaches.
During the offseason, the Celtics held trade talks involving Simons with two Eastern Conference rivals: the Nets and the Bucks, according to HoopHype’s Michael Scotto.
“Over the summer, the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics discussed several trade scenarios involving Simons that ultimately fell through, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported Wednesday. “The Milwaukee Bucks also kept tabs on Simons, HoopsHype has learned.”
Scotto continued: “It’s worth noting that Boston also planned to pursue Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype. The Celtics would’ve been limited to only a minimum offer for Sharpe, but were prepared to offer a chance to compete for the starting center spot this season.”
Sharpe, 24, has played a limited role this season for Brooklyn, averaging 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds off the bench while logging 16.1 minutes per game behind Nets starting center Nic Claxton. Boston’s interest in Sharpe becomes particularly notable given the team’s need for frontcourt support after Neemias Queta suffered a left ankle sprain on Sunday, with no timetable announced for his return.
Simons, on the other hand, has shown increasing reliability recently, most notably scoring 23 points off the bench on a season-best 72.7% shooting night (on games where he attempted at least 10 shots) in Boston’s 138-129 win over the Magic on Sunday. He was particularly lethal from the perimeter, forcing Orlando defenders off balance with a combination of sharp 3-point shooting — Simons shot 4-for-7 from three — and crafty dribble moves to attack the rim.
In his past two games, eighth-year veteran Simons has averaged 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists, hitting 66.7% of his shots and 46.2% from 3-point range.
Celtics teammates have taken notice of Simons’ efforts to acclimate and make an impact on the court.
“That’s what we need,” Jaylen Brown said of Simons’ performance on Sunday night. “Anfernee is capable offensively. We’ve got to continue to find spots and create space for him to be a playmaker for himself and for others — be aggressive. That’s what we need to keep empowering him on, finding that rhythm. It’s not easy, you know, coming off the bench in a new role, but I think he’s been adjusting well.”
Moving forward, it will be up to Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens to decide whether to keep Simons, use him as a vehicle to further shed salary, or trade him for another piece to help guide Boston toward a brighter future.
