While trade rumors are relatively tame to open the season, they’re slowly starting to heat up ahead of February’s trade deadline. The Celtics are likely to try and shed more salary as they’re roughly $12 million above the luxury tax threshold.
Ever since the C’s acquired Anfernee Simons over the summer, he’s been in trade rumors. Two teams in particular were interested in Simons, per HoopHype’s Michael Scotto, as the Celtics look to move his expiring $27.7 million contract.
“Over the summer, the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics discussed several trade scenarios involving Simons that ultimately fell through, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “The Milwaukee Bucks also kept tabs on Simons, HoopsHype has learned.”
The Nets and Celtics were part of one deal over the summer already. When the C’s moved Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks, the Nets were included as part of a three-team trade. Brooklyn had cap space, so it’s not surprising to see them included in the mix.
The Bucks have also looked to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster. They made aggressive moves over the summer like signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard, so they were likely exploring all options.
Simons has come off the bench for the Celtics to start the season. He’s averaging 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. There hasn’t been any major surprises to his game now that he’s in Boston. Simons is a known scorer in the league and is shooting 41.1% on 6.6 3-point attempts per game through 17 games played.
