Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26

[Hal14]

Wong from our summer league team signs with an overseas team:

Read on Twitter

No surprise..

[Hal14]

The majority of titles have been won by teams with superstars. There's a small group of teams that have won without superstars... Tatum hasn't proven to be a superstar yet. Hopefully he does in the future...

How do you define superstar? Tatum has been a first team all NBA guy for 4 seasons. Top 6 in MVP voting for 4 seasons. If he isn’t a superstar he is damn close. How he is after recovery of course remains to be seen.

A guy who is really good in the Finals.

That's overly reductive analysis to take a guy who's played 8 NBA seasons, been to the playoffs all 8 seasons, been 1st team all-NBA like 4 years in a row. Best player on 2 NBA finals teams, 1 of which won the title...

To take a career that good and that long of a career and just say "oh, all that matters is the 11 games he played in the finals" is very reductive and unfair.

Especially considering he led our team in points, rebs and assists in the 2024 nba finals, while also playing good defense..guarding centers at times, playing PG at times. In 2 finals trips he won 1 ring and the other time lost but hey, we couldn't be expected to beat the warriors that year - that was a warriors team that had won 3 rings together already, whereas none of our guys had ever even played a finals game..we were led by a 24 and 25 yr old duo..no team has won a title when led by a duo that young since like 1979. We had a 1st year head coach too. Warriors had home court advantage..

Tatum also was playing with a wrist injury in the 2022 finals.

He's a superstar.

I'm not worried about Tatum. If we build a roster that is good enough around him, we should be in a position to content for another 1 (or more) titles while he's in his prime.

[playa-hater]

Perhaps a "Superstar" has some levels to it. My vote is JT is a Low level Superstar.

I think a "higher level" SuperStar should be better in the finals. I think a Superstar can not come so close to winning a title and fail so often. Unless that Superstar loses to another "higher level" Superstar.

Another factor for me is how often a player is in the top 3 in MVP voting. Tatum seems to always be outside of that.. so there is that as well.

There is only one Superstar. The rest are just posers.

Watch on YouTube

What did I just watch

[phincsfan]

Tatum’s jersey sales has been in the top 5 for the past 6 seasons.

He’s a superstar

[canman1971]

Perhaps a "Superstar" has some levels to it. My vote is JT is a Low level Superstar.

I think a "higher level" SuperStar should be better in the finals. I think a Superstar can not come so close to winning a title and fail so often. Unless that Superstar loses to another "higher level" Superstar.

Another factor for me is how often a player is in the top 3 in MVP voting. Tatum seems to always be outside of that.. so there is that as well.

There is only one Superstar. The rest are just posers.

Watch on YouTube

What did I just watch

SNL skit turned into a movie

[Hal14]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

[Fierce1]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

[Parliament10]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

So, you're thinking that we get under the 1st Apron, Trade some type of pick(s) w/Simons, and work on Development?
We're like $10M away from being under the 1st Apron. That doesn't eliminate all tax though, does it?

[Parliament10]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

I think that we should trade him now, or after the Sept 7, 2025 Aggregate date. Send out a 2nd or two, iff nec. and move on.

[Parliament10]

Trade Simons and Niang. Unless Stevens is waiting to be able to Aggregate them, then wait until Sept. 7, 2025.
We don't need either of these guys. But, we especially don't need Simons' Contract.

[Fierce1]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

I think that we should trade him now, or after the Sept 7, 2025 Aggregate date. Send out a 2nd or two, iff nec. and move on.

That's certainly possible.

But I think Brad does not like sacrificing a pick or picks just to move on from Simons.

Cs will get more from Simons if he ends up playing well on or before trade deadline.

I just believe waiting a little longer will raise his trade value.

And he's playing for his next contract, so it's highly likely he ends up having a great season.

[Celts17Pride]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

Basically what I’ve been saying for the last month. Celtics are not signing anyone and they are trying to lose. They are not purposely losing but they are going to do nothing transaction wise that will help them win. No Bassey, no Vucevic, no anyone. Simons and Niang will be eventually sold off. The so called subtly tank.

[phincsfan]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

But, Poole was traded for CP3 who was 38 AND the Warriors had to give up draft assets in that deal.

Unless you're just bringing up Poole to show how his play attributed to a nice deal the following season.

[Fierce1]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

But, Poole was traded for CP3 who was 38 AND the Warriors had to give up draft assets in that deal.

Unless you're just bringing up Poole to show how his play attributed to a nice deal the following season.

Let's not forget Draymond punching Poole destroyed Poole's trade value.

I don't think GSW trades Poole if that incident didn't happen.

[phincsfan]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

Basically what I’ve been saying for the last month. Celtics are not signing anyone and they are trying to lose. They are not purposely losing but they are going to do nothing transaction wise that will help them win. No Bassey, no Vucevic, no anyone. Simons and Niang will be eventually sold off. The so called subtly tank.

Agreed.

Also, bottom line the C's got off of Jrue's remaining 104mil contract. I can't get mad at Stevens for doing that even if that meant taking on an expiring 27mil contract.

All rumors and fog about Simons right now, but if he plays his averages this season, which would be 4 straight seasons of 20+ppg and his league interest still is weak, he could end up being a steal of a contract. 4yrs/80mil looks pretty good for a 20ppg player. Stevens kind of has him by the sack right now because Simons has to perform even though league interest is pretty weak right now.

Does he go the route of a Shroder or Trent Jr and bet on himself? That didn't turn out well for those two. If he's given a 4yr/80mil contract to sign he'd be stupid to say no. That would put him at over 200mil in career earnings for a 24th pick.

The C's could have a 35-40ppg backcourt locked up for the next bunch of seasons and make the frontcourt a priority for the next draft or free agency.

[Celts17Pride]

Celtics want to move Simons and break his $27 million in half but also get something in return that they can trade again at the mid-season trade deadline. The problem I suspect is the Celtics only want expiring contracts in return, don't want to add money and don't want to use any draft capital to move Simons. That's why it's so tough. If the Celtics move Simons it will probably be at least a 1 for 2 trade. I wouldn't hold my breath on the Celtics filling out that last roster spot, they are keeping it open for a Simons trade. That means no Bassey, Simmons, Vucevic or whoever else unless someone else is moved.

[phincsfan]

Only way to raise Simons' trade value is to let him play.

Just like Poole got a big bag after that great 2022 season.

Right now trading Simons will result in the Cs getting low ball offers.

Just don't rush in trading Simons.

If he plays well all the way to the NBA Cup, Cs might get something significant from a Simons trade.

But, Poole was traded for CP3 who was 38 AND the Warriors had to give up draft assets in that deal.

Unless you're just bringing up Poole to show how his play attributed to a nice deal the following season.

Let's not forget Draymond punching Poole destroyed Poole's trade value.

I don't think GSW trades Poole if that incident didn't happen.

Agreed they wouldn't have traded him if he didn't get a reality check, but they gave up a pretty penny for a big expiring contract.

I hear you though.

[Fierce1]

Cs want this, want that for Simons.

Maybe that's why Brad can't get a deal done.

Cs just have no leverage right now.

[Larry_Russell]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

No ****.

[Celts17Pride]

Interesting...

Read on Twitter

If it's true that Boston is convinced that Simons is not part of the long term plan for contending when Tatum is back healthy, then I'm fine with just trading him to shed as much salary as possible.

That way, we get under the tax, reset the repeater tax. And get a better draft pick.

Then the plan would basically be:
-Lose as many games as possible this season
-Develop our young guys, load manage our vets
-Let Tatum take his time with rehab..no rush with returning
-Get as high of a pick as possible in a loaded 2026 draft
-Acquire a big during the summer of 2026

We'd be putting ourselves in position for a 2 year window (26-27 and 27-28) to try and win at least 1 more title..with a team built around:
-Tatum
-Brown
-White
-Pritchard
-Whoever we draft with our highest pick in the 2026 draft (hopefully top 10 pick..maybe we even get lucky and get a top 3 pick like teams like Hawks, Mavs, Spurs and Sixers did over the past couple seasons when tanking)
-A big that we acquire next summer
-1 of Hauser/Niang if they are still here
-Whoever emerges as a solid rotational piece who we want to keep around between Queta, Garza, Minott, Walsh, Baylor, Amari, Hugo..

Basically what I’ve been saying for the last month. Celtics are not signing anyone and they are trying to lose. They are not purposely losing but they are going to do nothing transaction wise that will help them win. No Bassey, no Vucevic, no anyone. Simons and Niang will be eventually sold off. The so called subtly tank.

Agreed.

Also, bottom line the C's got off of Jrue's remaining 104mil contract. I can't get mad at Stevens for doing that even if that meant taking on an expiring 27mil contract.

All rumors and fog about Simons right now, but if he plays his averages this season, which would be 4 straight seasons of 20+ppg and his league interest still is weak, he could end up being a steal of a contract. 4yrs/80mil looks pretty good for a 20ppg player. Stevens kind of has him by the sack right now because Simons has to perform even though league interest is pretty weak right now.

Does he go the route of a Shroder or Trent Jr and bet on himself? That didn't turn out well for those two. If he's given a 4yr/80mil contract to sign he'd be stupid to say no. That would put him at over 200mil in career earnings for a 24th pick.

The C's could have a 35-40ppg backcourt locked up for the next bunch of seasons and make the frontcourt a priority for the next draft or free agency.

You're missing the point, Stevens is afraid that Simons will perform and add unnecessary wins to the teams total. That's why he is looking to move him. Celtics are not resigning him and don't want Simons to add another 4-6 wins to the Celtics and push them into a low 20's draft pick. Some day people will wake up to what's really going on here with the Celtics.

I guarantee you Simons will be gone by opening night.