Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26

[Hal14]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but if Al signs elsewhere, and Brad can't find a Simons for Center type trade, why not take a chance on Ben Simmons? Sign him to the minimum, tell him he's a Center now, and give it a try. He's 6'10, rebounds, can push tempo right off the rebounder spot, and he can rim run. He's also a versatile defender that can switch out and guard on the perimeter. Intriguing experiment. And guess what, if he stinks, he's injured, or has a bad attitude, you cut him loose. No harm no foul.

I'm imagining a 5-man group of White/Simons/Hauser/Brown/Simmons...Pretty interesting. Cs wouldn't need scoring from him.

My biggest objection to Simmons is he doesn't like basketball.

Yeah, no way we sign Ben Simmons. Brad is a big culture guy. He's been on team culture and big on character. Only brings certain guys in to this locker room. Anyone who he thinks might be a distraction, a locker room cancer, might have a bad attitude, might have work ethic concerns? He doesn't touch them with a 10 foot pole.

[Celts17Pride]

Stevens won't even sign Bassey. He is not signing anyone.

[djFan71]

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

[redslastlaugh]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

[djFan71]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

Another one that hinges on Beal. If he goes to MIL, then they don't make that trade. If not, he's one of a couple options. They could stick with just Cole Anthony, or swing more for Simons. Monk is still out there as well.

[Celts17Pride]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

Kuzma has a 2 year deal. I'm only fine with a Kuzma deal if it's a 3 way trade and Kuzma goes to the third team. Don't want Kuzma to wear a Celtics uniform.

[djFan71]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

Kuzma has a 2 year deal. I'm only fine with a Kuzma deal if it's a 3 way trade and Kuzma goes to the third team.

2 year is handy in that it'll be an expiring next summer for trades. If you can 3-team it and take less back, even better. But I don't mind the 2nd year.

[Celts17Pride]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Kuzma has a 2 year deal. I'm only fine with a Kuzma deal if it's a 3 way trade and Kuzma goes to the third team.

2 year is handy in that it'll be an expiring next summer for trades. If you can 3-team it and take less back, even better. But I don't mind the 2nd year.

Don't want Kuzma to wear a Celtics uniform. I don't think Brad Stevens does either.

[djFan71]

Kuzma has a 2 year deal. I'm only fine with a Kuzma deal if it's a 3 way trade and Kuzma goes to the third team.

2 year is handy in that it'll be an expiring next summer for trades. If you can 3-team it and take less back, even better. But I don't mind the 2nd year.

Don't want Kuzma to wear a Celtics uniform. I don't think Brad Stevens does either.

That part is harder to argue against, lol. It's not ideal for sure.

[Larry_Russell]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

[playa-hater]

If we aren't keeping Simons, the Kuzma trade idea is growing on me. In a Simons-for-Kuz trade, if we could find a trade construction that brings the Celts back an asset as well as Kuz, as compensation for taking Kuz's bad money, I'd probably do it. We'd get to play Kuz during a "recovery" year which gives us lottery odds, we save $6 million, and in the next couple windows in the trade/transaction cycle we have Kuz's $20 million expiring to aggregate with other pieces or picks and get a long term piece.

Feels like there's some stuff still brewing that needs to be resolved before other things get resolved. My guess is Kuminga and Beal. There's some date with Beal getting his first check and then maybe getting bought out after that. Saw it on T&T and wasn't entirely sure why that mattered, but I guess it could. Then Kuminga finding a home and a good trade for GSW.

Those 2 dominoes probably have to fall before Al or Lillard decide anything. Al for seeing the marketplace of contenders / how much can GSW offer. Then Beal and Lillard deciding BOS or not probably factors into a Simons trade. Beal going somewhere is one less destination for Simons. Lillard less, but if he's coming, I'd be very surprised if we keep Simons - even though Dame won't be playing the same year. It helps put the nail in the coffin of keeping Simons around for 26-27. It's one more talent to add back when Tatum's back. So, you're less likely to want/need Simons and might as well trade him and save money or get a future frontcourt piece, etc.

Kuzma has a 2 year deal. I'm only fine with a Kuzma deal if it's a 3 way trade and Kuzma goes to the third team. Don't want Kuzma to wear a Celtics uniform.

If I can plus 1 this more than once, I would.

[MrGreenRunsDeep]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

I hope we don’t over hype him like we did With Useless Bum Baynes , he ended up getting dunk by PG

[Gant]

‪Scott Agness‬

Former Pacer Oshae Brissett has signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv. It's a two-year deal.

[djFan71]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

Some people want to tank, but don't want Kuzma. Jeez.

It's not a move to improve the team. It's reduce money and maybe even get an asset while doing it. Then do it again sending Kuzma elsewhere and eventually duck the tax. Or, if you get stuck with him, he's basically expiring money at the deadline. And IS expiring next summer. Has nothing to do with wanting the player.

Kuz for Simons & Niang gets you within $7M of the tax line. You can reflip him to completely duck the tax at that point. That's the only appeal.

[Bosjack]

west coast and enrolling his 75 kids

Man you got jokes.Al is working on his 76 th kid right now,so hes kinda busy. They give medal who has most kids,him or Nick Cannon

And besides why would Al sign for Warriors hes no longer 25.And this is gonna be probably his final season.And move all the way to taxy California.Yes i bet

[Hal14]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

Some people want to tank, but don't want Kuzma. Jeez.

It's not a move to improve the team. It's reduce money and maybe even get an asset while doing it. Then do it again sending Kuzma elsewhere and eventually duck the tax. Or, if you get stuck with him, he's basically expiring money at the deadline. And IS expiring next summer. Has nothing to do with wanting the player.

Kuz for Simons & Niang gets you within $7M of the tax line. You can reflip him to completely duck the tax at that point. That's the only appeal.

Brad said at his presser the other day that the goal is not to duck the tax..just get under the 2nd apron.

If we trim so much salary that we're under the tax completely, that probably means our team got so much worse that we won't be able to compete for another title when Tatum is back..

[djFan71]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

Some people want to tank, but don't want Kuzma. Jeez.

It's not a move to improve the team. It's reduce money and maybe even get an asset while doing it. Then do it again sending Kuzma elsewhere and eventually duck the tax. Or, if you get stuck with him, he's basically expiring money at the deadline. And IS expiring next summer. Has nothing to do with wanting the player.

Kuz for Simons & Niang gets you within $7M of the tax line. You can reflip him to completely duck the tax at that point. That's the only appeal.

Brad said at his presser the other day that the goal is not to duck the tax..just get under the 2nd apron.

If we trim so much salary that we're under the tax completely, that probably means our team got so much worse that we won't be able to compete for another title when Tatum is back..

He said it's not the primary goal, which is different.
I don't value Simons as much as you, so flipping him for Kuzma and then flipping that again isn't a big loss to me. And it's just one idea. Not even my first choice, but it's an option.

[Patsfan1081]

I just don't think there's a match on either side.

Boston's focus this season should be on developing younger bigs (including some we may not have on the roster yet) and losing games. It's our one season to do this. Force feed them minutes.

Al doesn't need money. He has a title. Would he like another? Sure. But that's not happening in Boston. Why go through another long season just to miss the playoffs or lose early on?

I’d be fine with this, however outside of Minot they don’t have any. My complaint has been that Brad has been negligent in the draft. The most he’s gotten out of it is multiple extra seconds, that have been used on fringe vets at the deadline. He’s had the ammunition to move up if wanted, and he’s also passed on some big men that have earned minutes during their rookie seasons.

[165bows]

Idk the hold up with Al could easily be he’s looking to see if he can get one final contract.

[SuperDeluxe]

Cant belive that people think Simons is a good add and some people woupd trade jim for kuzma.

Jeez.

Again, the team didn't trade for Simons to get better. They did to get out of the 2nd apron. Why, you ask? So they can make other trades to make you happy. The Kuzma suggestion would be another move in the same direction.

It's OK to not understand how the CBA works (I'm pretty clueless too), but please don't keep repeating the same stuff as if you were The Holder of The Truth and the rest of us a bunch of hopeless idiots. It clogs the board.