Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26, part 2

[Celts17Pride]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

[GreenBlooded]

So now Simons is rubbing shoulders with Mitchell, Durant, Brunson, George, Kawhi and curry.

Got it


The train has officially gone off the **** rails.

Not what I said at all.

I simply posted data - cold hard facts.

Also, it's interesting that you cherry picked those 5 names out of a list of 14.

Those guys are all starters. I'm not sure Simons projects as a starter with his glaring defensive weakness, at least not for playoff teams. I think he projects better as a "microwave" sixth man like a Monk, Powell, Beasley type

[fallguy]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

Nembhard got 3yr/60mil and he's a 10ppg

If Simons scores his averages this season I think a team will pay him.

As long as it's not us, I'm happy.

[Celticlifer]

Is simons worse than Kyrie? Than doncic? Brunson? Teams can have a weak defender and play very well. I know simons isn't the offensive players those others are but that's not the point. Can the Celtics score enough as a team to overcome a weak defender? We will see, but as long as Simons is making a good effort, I think the celtics will be fine.

[brackdan70]

I’m a bit Bullish on Simons. I think he will show up well this year. My heart won’t be broken if he is traded though, and I can see scenarios where we keep him long term as well. It will be an interesting season.

[SuperDeluxe]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

[Hal14]

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

Why the Blazers Traded Anfernee Simons
1. Clearing the Path for Scoot Henderson & Youth Development

Building around Henderson and Sharpe: Portland selected Scoot Henderson with a top pick in 2023 to be a long-term franchise point guard. Anfernee Simons’ presence was limiting Henderson’s growth as the offensive focal point. Moving Simons opens up significant playing time and shot opportunities for Scoot and Shaedon Sharpe.

Vision for the future: The front office’s intent has been clear—shape the roster around its young core and re-evaluate supporting pieces accordingly.

2. Simons’ Contract Situation and Trade Value

Expiring contract: Simons’ deal expires after next season, making him a short-term asset whose trade value is maximized now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Value timing: As a high-scoring guard, Simons draws attention and interest around the league. Portland capitalized by securing a return while his stock was relatively high.

3. Shifting Team Identity Toward Defense and Veteran Leadership

Defense-first philosophy: Portland wanted to reinforce a defensive mindset. By bringing in veteran Jrue Holiday—an All-Defensive team regular—they aimed to anchor this emerging identity while still evaluating youth.

Mentorship: Holiday's experience could offer mentorship and stability for the younger guards even as they rebuild.

4. Simons’s Desire to Win

Personal motivation: Simons was vocal about wanting to compete. In interviews, he expressed frustration with the team’s direction and a desire for better opportunities to win. That made a trade to a contender like Boston not just logical, but perhaps welcomed by Simons himself.

Summing It Up

The Blazers’ trade of Anfernee Simons to the Celtics can be understood as a strategic roadmap for the future:

-Empower their young core by freeing up space and opportunities.
-Manage future risk via an evolving salary structure.
-Reinforce a developing identity built on defense and structure.
-Respect a veteran player’s need for competitive opportunities.

[GreenBlooded]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

Congrats! You're officially smarter than ChatGPT

[SuperDeluxe]

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

Congrats! You're officially smarter than ChatGPT

Sadly I'm not. My post was written by ChatGPT.

[redslastlaugh]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

If you're in the mood for odds making, what are the odds that by the August 29 deadline that Celts just waive/stretch Simons or trade him for a smaller $ figure contract and immediately waive/stretch that contract.

I wonder if Chicago would package Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter and Isaac Okoro for Simons and Celtics waive and stretch both Terry and Carter over 3 yrs and carry Okoro forward. That type of deal puts us under the tax, I believe...

But really it just seems like, if we are not trading first round pick(s) to dump Simons, the likeliest option for dropping under the tax line is some sort of money stretching before the 29th.

[fallguy]

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

Why the Blazers Traded Anfernee Simons
1. Clearing the Path for Scoot Henderson & Youth Development

Building around Henderson and Sharpe: Portland selected Scoot Henderson with a top pick in 2023 to be a long-term franchise point guard. Anfernee Simons’ presence was limiting Henderson’s growth as the offensive focal point. Moving Simons opens up significant playing time and shot opportunities for Scoot and Shaedon Sharpe.

Vision for the future: The front office’s intent has been clear—shape the roster around its young core and re-evaluate supporting pieces accordingly.

2. Simons’ Contract Situation and Trade Value

Expiring contract: Simons’ deal expires after next season, making him a short-term asset whose trade value is maximized now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Value timing: As a high-scoring guard, Simons draws attention and interest around the league. Portland capitalized by securing a return while his stock was relatively high.

3. Shifting Team Identity Toward Defense and Veteran Leadership

Defense-first philosophy: Portland wanted to reinforce a defensive mindset. By bringing in veteran Jrue Holiday—an All-Defensive team regular—they aimed to anchor this emerging identity while still evaluating youth.

Mentorship: Holiday's experience could offer mentorship and stability for the younger guards even as they rebuild.

4. Simons’s Desire to Win

Personal motivation: Simons was vocal about wanting to compete. In interviews, he expressed frustration with the team’s direction and a desire for better opportunities to win. That made a trade to a contender like Boston not just logical, but perhaps welcomed by Simons himself.

Summing It Up

The Blazers’ trade of Anfernee Simons to the Celtics can be understood as a strategic roadmap for the future:

-Empower their young core by freeing up space and opportunities.
-Manage future risk via an evolving salary structure.
-Reinforce a developing identity built on defense and structure.
-Respect a veteran player’s need for competitive opportunities.

This is written by AI, yes?

[fallguy]

I’m a bit Bullish on Simons. I think he will show up well this year. My heart won’t be broken if he is traded though, and I can see scenarios where we keep him long term as well. It will be an interesting season.

He can absolutely score. I just don't think there's any fit for him salary or roster-wise beyond this season.

[Celts17Pride]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

If you're in the mood for odds making, what are the odds that by the August 29 deadline that Celts just waive/stretch Simons or trade him for a smaller $ figure contract and immediately waive/stretch that contract.

I wonder if Chicago would package Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter and Isaac Okoro for Simons and Celtics waive and stretch both Terry and Carter over 3 yrs and carry Okoro forward. That type of deal puts us under the tax, I believe...

But really it just seems like, if we are not trading first round pick(s) to dump Simons, the likeliest option for dropping under the tax line is some sort of money stretching before the 29th.

Celtics won't waive and stretch Simons. Stevens doesn't want to muddy up the cap sheet in future years. So your answer is 0%

[Celts17Pride]

Reminder: Portland traded Simons away mostly because it's rumoured that he wants a significant raise.

Unless he turns into a different player, Simons will be here for a cup of coffee or two, that's it.

Why the Blazers Traded Anfernee Simons
1. Clearing the Path for Scoot Henderson & Youth Development

Building around Henderson and Sharpe: Portland selected Scoot Henderson with a top pick in 2023 to be a long-term franchise point guard. Anfernee Simons’ presence was limiting Henderson’s growth as the offensive focal point. Moving Simons opens up significant playing time and shot opportunities for Scoot and Shaedon Sharpe.

Vision for the future: The front office’s intent has been clear—shape the roster around its young core and re-evaluate supporting pieces accordingly.

2. Simons’ Contract Situation and Trade Value

Expiring contract: Simons’ deal expires after next season, making him a short-term asset whose trade value is maximized now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Value timing: As a high-scoring guard, Simons draws attention and interest around the league. Portland capitalized by securing a return while his stock was relatively high.

3. Shifting Team Identity Toward Defense and Veteran Leadership

Defense-first philosophy: Portland wanted to reinforce a defensive mindset. By bringing in veteran Jrue Holiday—an All-Defensive team regular—they aimed to anchor this emerging identity while still evaluating youth.

Mentorship: Holiday's experience could offer mentorship and stability for the younger guards even as they rebuild.

4. Simons’s Desire to Win

Personal motivation: Simons was vocal about wanting to compete. In interviews, he expressed frustration with the team’s direction and a desire for better opportunities to win. That made a trade to a contender like Boston not just logical, but perhaps welcomed by Simons himself.

Summing It Up

The Blazers’ trade of Anfernee Simons to the Celtics can be understood as a strategic roadmap for the future:

-Empower their young core by freeing up space and opportunities.
-Manage future risk via an evolving salary structure.
-Reinforce a developing identity built on defense and structure.
-Respect a veteran player’s need for competitive opportunities.

This is written by AI, yes?

I think it was the president of Anfernee Simon's fan club.

[darrendaye]

It would be nuts to sign Simons at anything near his current salary.

I think there is close to 0% chance Celtics would ever resign Simons, but you already know that I suspect.

If you're in the mood for odds making, what are the odds that by the August 29 deadline that Celts just waive/stretch Simons or trade him for a smaller $ figure contract and immediately waive/stretch that contract.

I wonder if Chicago would package Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter and Isaac Okoro for Simons and Celtics waive and stretch both Terry and Carter over 3 yrs and carry Okoro forward. That type of deal puts us under the tax, I believe...

But really it just seems like, if we are not trading first round pick(s) to dump Simons, the likeliest option for dropping under the tax line is some sort of money stretching before the 29th.

I don't believe you can waive/stretch more than one player per season. But I do not remove the possibility they could pursue that option on larger (say Vuc) contract guy.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Why the Blazers Traded Anfernee Simons
1. Clearing the Path for Scoot Henderson & Youth Development

Building around Henderson and Sharpe: Portland selected Scoot Henderson with a top pick in 2023 to be a long-term franchise point guard. Anfernee Simons’ presence was limiting Henderson’s growth as the offensive focal point. Moving Simons opens up significant playing time and shot opportunities for Scoot and Shaedon Sharpe.

Vision for the future: The front office’s intent has been clear—shape the roster around its young core and re-evaluate supporting pieces accordingly.

2. Simons’ Contract Situation and Trade Value

Expiring contract: Simons’ deal expires after next season, making him a short-term asset whose trade value is maximized now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Value timing: As a high-scoring guard, Simons draws attention and interest around the league. Portland capitalized by securing a return while his stock was relatively high.

3. Shifting Team Identity Toward Defense and Veteran Leadership

Defense-first philosophy: Portland wanted to reinforce a defensive mindset. By bringing in veteran Jrue Holiday—an All-Defensive team regular—they aimed to anchor this emerging identity while still evaluating youth.

Mentorship: Holiday's experience could offer mentorship and stability for the younger guards even as they rebuild.

4. Simons’s Desire to Win

Personal motivation: Simons was vocal about wanting to compete. In interviews, he expressed frustration with the team’s direction and a desire for better opportunities to win. That made a trade to a contender like Boston not just logical, but perhaps welcomed by Simons himself.

Summing It Up

The Blazers’ trade of Anfernee Simons to the Celtics can be understood as a strategic roadmap for the future:

-Empower their young core by freeing up space and opportunities.
-Manage future risk via an evolving salary structure.
-Reinforce a developing identity built on defense and structure.
-Respect a veteran player’s need for competitive opportunities.

This is written by AI, yes?

I think it was the president of Anfernee Simon's fan club.

Well don't hold us in suspense. What are your feelings on Anfernee Simons ?

[Dogen]

Read on Twitter

[Fierce1]

Al is making a big mistake.

GSW, in 2026, will be like the 2012-13 Celtics that got eliminated in the 1st rnd.

[Hal14]

Al is making a big mistake.

GSW, in 2026, will be like the 2012-13 Celtics that got eliminated in the 1st rnd.

Let's be objective here. Steph/Butler/Draymond are much more likely to be title contenders this season than Brown/White/Pritchard.

I thank Al for what he's done for the Celtics and the city of Boston and wish him luck.

[Larry_Russell]

The Celtics already have Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard handling creation and shooting.
Simons is an offense-first combo guard who overlaps heavily with Pritchard in role, but at a much higher salary.
His strengths (shot-making, pull-up threes) don’t address Boston’s needs as much as additional size, defense, or playmaking.


Boston’s identity is built on elite switchable defense.
Simons is one of the worst defensive guards in the league — small for a shooting guard, often targeted in mismatches.
Simons will tank their perimeter defense.

Boston’s biggest offensive weakness has been late-game half-court creation and playmaking under pressure.
Simons is more of a scorer than a facilitator — he’s closer to a microwave bucket-getter than a true floor general.
This doesn’t solve the “who runs the offense when defenses load up on Tatum/Brown” problem.



In short: he’s a “good stats (almost), bad fit” guy for a team that’s in championship-or-bust mode.


Simons is talented, but his weaknesses (defense, playmaking, contract) directly clash with what the Celtics need. Trading for him would mean paying a premium for a redundancy while sacrificing the identity that makes Boston great.