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The Boston Celtics made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they traded Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons. The move was necessary for the Celtics because they wanted to get under the second apron. Although Simons is a great scorer and a much younger player than Holiday, it doesn't appear that Boston has plans to keep him around.
Reports suggest the Celtics are looking to flip Simons in another trade. The Washington Wizards have an impressive young core, but they are lacking what Simons would bring to the table, so they make a lot of sense as a trade partner after trading away Jordan Poole.
Wizards trade proposal for Anfernee Simons
Wizards receive: Anfernee Simons
Celtics receive: Corey Kispert, Richaun Holmes, two second-round picks
The Celtics seemingly won the Holiday-Simons trade, according to consensus. Simons averaged 19.3 points per game because he has a versatile offensive skill set. He is particularly deadly as a 3-point shooter, but he also plays on a significantly cheaper contract than Holiday.
Holiday is 35 years old and showed signs of regression last season. He is one of the greatest guard defenders ever, but he wasn't as elite in that regard as usual in his last season in Boston.
The trade for Simons seemed like the perfect way to usher in a new era of contention, but the Celtics apparently want to trade him again. He only has one more year on his deal, so perhaps Boston is worried about the cost to retain him. Not to mention, they likely won't compete for the title this upcoming season without Jayson Tatum, who is out for the year with a torn Achilles tendon.
Richaun Holmes is under contract for two more seasons, and Corey Kispert won't hit the open market until after the 2028-29 season, so both of them could have an impact on the Celtics' roster upon Tatum's return. Boston is particularly thin at the center position, so Holmes could have a big role with the team.
In addition to trading Holiday, the Celtics also sent Kristaps Porzingis packing, Luke Kornet signed with the San Antonio Spurs, and Al Horford is unlikely to return to the team. That leaves Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Luka Garza as the team's only options at the center position.
Kispert would also be an intriguing option because he is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA, and Boston shoots more shots from beyond the arc than anybody else in the league. Kispert would fit right in while playing a Sam Hauser-esque role.
Neither Holmes nor Kispert are near the caliber of player Simons is, but the Celtics don't seem motivated to make him a part of their core, and they are desperate to add more depth after a busy offseason of shedding contracts.
Would the Wizards trade for Anfernee Simons?
The Wizards have been busy molding a roster that is set up well for the future but also one that shouldn't be atrocious next season.
They have an impressive young core, highlighted by 2025 draftees Tre Johnson and Will Riley, as well as 2024 NBA Draft first-rounders Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington. They also just traded for recent first-rounders in Cam Whitmore and Dillon Jones.
Washington has also been busy bringing in veterans who can mentor these youngsters. Marcus Smart, Khris Middleton, and CJ McCollum are all big-name players who have passed their primes but can still make an impact on the court. Simons would bridge the gap between the players who are brand new to the NBA and the aging veterans.
Simons is entering his eighth year in the NBA, but he is still just 26 years old. He'd help the Wizards get better right away, but he is still young enough to fit the team's timeline.
Plus, Simons provides the self-creation and 3-point shooting lacking in Washington. Because the Celtics haven't been able to find a trade partner for Simons yet, it seems likely that there isn't much of a trade market for him. This trade proposal would be highway robbery for the Wizards, but it may actually be realistic.
