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

[brackdan70]

Here's the thing, as long as this current CBA is in effect, the Celtics can't afford a big man that will cost more than 20m per year.

Why?

Because the Celtics are the only team to have 2 supermax guys on the roster.

JT, JB, and White are already 87% of the salary cap.

So if the Celtics are going for a big man that will cost more than 22m, the Cs would have to sacrifice JB or White.

Having the Jays, White, and a big who will cost more than 22m will put the Celtics in the same situation they were last season and that's being a 2nd apron team.

Using Simons to get a big man is not practical.

The Cs currently have 11 guys signed and are 42 million under the second Apron for 26/27. Depending where they draft they’ll still have 35-38 million. They can use Simons salary slot and stay under the second Apron no problem. They have to stay under the first apron to use a TPE though, they have about 24 million of space there depending on the draft position. So they could use most of the TPE or Simons salary slot but probably not both. Assuming they want to get under the tax, things are much tighter. Only about 15 million under after the draft pick.

Like I said, Simons and 1st round picks for Jarrett Allen.

Solves the big man problem.

Allen will be around 30m per year from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

So if your estimate of 35-38 million is correct, Jarrett Allen is a good option.

Need the Cavs to send out another player making at least 7 million to a third team, but yeah something like that. Allen is 28 million next year, 20 this year.
I like it. The tax bill is high, but you are a legit contender with Tatum back. You can trade Hauser if needed to shave down under the first Apron.

[brackdan70]

Cam Thomas looking at 2/28 or the QO according to the news wire.
I think that is a good barometer for Simons value going forward. I wouldn’t mind keeping him around at 14-15 million per year.

[Hal14]

Here's the thing, as long as this current CBA is in effect, the Celtics can't afford a big man that will cost more than 20m per year.

Why?

Because the Celtics are the only team to have 2 supermax guys on the roster.

JT, JB, and White are already 87% of the salary cap.

So if the Celtics are going for a big man that will cost more than 22m, the Cs would have to sacrifice JB or White.

Having the Jays, White, and a big who will cost more than 22m will put the Celtics in the same situation they were last season and that's being a 2nd apron team.

Using Simons to get a big man is not practical.

The Cs currently have 11 guys signed and are 42 million under the second Apron for 26/27. Depending where they draft they’ll still have 35-38 million. They can use Simons salary slot and stay under the second Apron no problem. They have to stay under the first apron to use a TPE though, they have about 24 million of space there depending on the draft position. So they could use most of the TPE or Simons salary slot but probably not both. Assuming they want to get under the tax, things are much tighter. Only about 15 million under after the draft pick.

Like I said, Simons and 1st round picks for Jarrett Allen.

Solves the big man problem.

Allen will be around 30m per year from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

So if your estimate of 35-38 million is correct, Jarrett Allen is a good option.

Cavs wouldn't do it.

They're in win-now mode, trying to compete for a championship. They're not downgrading their roster for picks..

[Fierce1]

The Cs currently have 11 guys signed and are 42 million under the second Apron for 26/27. Depending where they draft they’ll still have 35-38 million. They can use Simons salary slot and stay under the second Apron no problem. They have to stay under the first apron to use a TPE though, they have about 24 million of space there depending on the draft position. So they could use most of the TPE or Simons salary slot but probably not both. Assuming they want to get under the tax, things are much tighter. Only about 15 million under after the draft pick.

Like I said, Simons and 1st round picks for Jarrett Allen.

Solves the big man problem.

Allen will be around 30m per year from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

So if your estimate of 35-38 million is correct, Jarrett Allen is a good option.

Cavs wouldn't do it.

They're in win-now mode, trying to compete for a championship. They're not downgrading their roster for picks..

I read a report that the Cavs want to avoid the 2nd apron and they're open to trading Garland and Allen.

[Fierce1]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

[Hal14]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

They obviously didn't lose on purpose to the Pacers.

They got beat by a really good team that got hot at the right time of the year.

Plus, Garland, Mobley and Hunter were all injured.

[brackdan70]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

If they want to get under the Apron this year…A deal around Allen for Simons doesn’t really help. If they are thinking about 26/27…which maybe is more realistic then perhaps there is a deal that makes sense.
It seems to me they have to try to make another run with this team and hope for heath though IDK.

[celtxman]

Yeah not our money, but being over or close to the second Apron is not sustainable while on the repeater tax. The Cs can afford a 50 million or even 80 million dollar tax bill but can’t 200 million. There is also the frozen first round pick penalty to worry about.
I think the need to stay well under the Apron, which they can do quite easily and keep Simons….if that the direction they want to go.

I’m not sure there will be sustainable title contenders with the current cba. A 2-3 year window might be the best you can hope for. OKC is going to have to pay Chet and J Dub soon which likely means they’re are trading major piece(s).

The other angle to consider is that Tatum’s not getting any younger and you want to take your best shot at winning the title when he’s 30 not 33.

The only reason too that OKC could feasibly win multiple is that 1. they're young and 2. they have a million draft picks to replace the IHart's and Dort's of the world.

But yeah, most teams have a 2 year window now thanks to this stupid CBA. It sucks

Yup. The punishment goes to those who wisely build their team and keep their home grown stars. The rewards goes to those who tank. A great job by OKC in tanking, but tanking nonetheless.

[Hal14]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

If they want to get under the Apron this year…A deal around Allen for Simons doesn’t really help. If they are thinking about 26/27…which maybe is more realistic then perhaps there is a deal that makes sense.
It seems to me they have to try to make another run with this team and hope for heath though IDK.

Yeah I think cleveland tries one more season with this core and if they can't at least get to the finals (esepcially in a down year for the east) then they blow it up and might move pretty much everyone except Mobley.

[Curmudgeon]

If you are going to attach a pick or two to Simons, the guy to go after is Okongwu from Atlanta.

[Fierce1]

If you are going to attach a pick or two to Simons, the guy to go after is Okongwu from Atlanta.

I don't think Atlanta would do it.

Okongwu is on a team friendly contract.
The Hawks won't do it for picks.

Jarrett Allen on the other hand could be available for salary cap purposes.

[Celts17Pride]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

If Cavs don't make the Finals this year then there will be massive player movement in Cleveland next year. Teams can't stay in the 2nd apron too long (see the Boston Celtics) and owners are not willing to pay big dollars for non Finals teams. Cleveland and LA Clippers are primed for major selling if no Finals appearance in 2025/2026 and the New York Knicks are not that far behind.

The Celtics $22 million TPE will be very useful next season.

[Fierce1]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

If Cavs don't make the Finals this year then there will be massive player movement in Cleveland next year. Teams can't stay in the 2nd apron too long (see the Boston Celtics) and owners are not willing to pay big dollars for non Finals teams. Cleveland and LA Clippers are primed for major selling if no Finals appearance in 2025/2026 and the New York Knicks are not that far behind.

The Celtics $22 million TPE will be very useful next season.

Sounds about right.

Donovan Mitchell really disappointing.
#1 seed in Utah and crashed and burned in the west semis in 2021.

64 wins and #1 seed in 2025 and got eliminated in the east semis.

I agree, small guards are not ideal.

If the Cavs can't find any takers for Garland, Allen will be available.

[Celts17Pride]

If the Cavs are in win now mode, they sure had me fooled.

64 wins and you can't even get to the conference finals?

Donovan Mitchell still has not reached the conference finals in 8 seasons.

If Cavs will say they're fine with being a 2nd apron team then Allen won't be available.

But if that report is true, Cavs will be open to trading Allen.

If Cavs don't make the Finals this year then there will be massive player movement in Cleveland next year. Teams can't stay in the 2nd apron too long (see the Boston Celtics) and owners are not willing to pay big dollars for non Finals teams. Cleveland and LA Clippers are primed for major selling if no Finals appearance in 2025/2026 and the New York Knicks are not that far behind.

The Celtics $22 million TPE will be very useful next season.

Sounds about right.

Donovan Mitchell really disappointing.
#1 seed in Utah and crashed and burned in the west semis in 2021.

64 wins and #1 seed in 2025 and got eliminated in the east semis.

I agree, small guards are not ideal.

If the Cavs can't find any takers for Garland, Allen will be available.

Could be a lot of guys available in Cleveland.

[Hal14]

If Cavs don't make the Finals this year then there will be massive player movement in Cleveland next year. Teams can't stay in the 2nd apron too long (see the Boston Celtics) and owners are not willing to pay big dollars for non Finals teams. Cleveland and LA Clippers are primed for major selling if no Finals appearance in 2025/2026 and the New York Knicks are not that far behind.

The Celtics $22 million TPE will be very useful next season.

Sounds about right.

Donovan Mitchell really disappointing.
#1 seed in Utah and crashed and burned in the west semis in 2021.

64 wins and #1 seed in 2025 and got eliminated in the east semis.

I agree, small guards are not ideal.

If the Cavs can't find any takers for Garland, Allen will be available.

Could be a lot of guys available in Cleveland.

While I do think it's possible that Cleveland will move some of their guys if they fall short of expectations this season, let's consider the facts here.

Mitchell has been there for only 3 years:

2023 playoffs: they were healthy but it was only the first year of that core (mitchell, garland, mobley, allen) being together. They still had Bickerstaff as coach..their team got *way* better when they went from Bickerstaff to Atkinson last season. Also, Mobley was not nearly the player back then in 2023 that he is now - especially on offense.

Also, that was he year Allen said "the lights were too bright" but now he has much more playoff experience than he did back then so it shouldn't be an issue any longer

Mobley and Allen both only averaged 9 PPG that year in the playoffs and they still had Bickerstaff coaching

2024 playoffs: Mitchell was injured..Allen was too. And they still had Bickerstaff coaching

2025 Playoffs. First year with Atkinson as HC...they were way better with him coaching, got 64 wins and the 1 seed. But it's normal in 1st season with a new HC to fall short in playoffs. Plus, Garland, Mobley and Allen were all injured in the playoffs

2026 should be their year to win the east. It'll be the 4th season for their core 4 guys. The 2nd season with Atkinson as HC. They should be the undisputed favorites to win the east.

It'll be disappointing if they fall short of the NBA finals, but to be fair, they have yet to have their core 4 guys healthy together with Atkinson as coach.

[Curmudgeon]

Cavs will not touch Simons unless they succeed in moving Garland.
LOL Jake Fisher is reporting that the Celtics are listening to incoming calls on Simons. What incoming calls? (unless it's Milwaukee for Kuzma. No thanks to that.)

[Celts17Pride]

Cavs will not touch Simons unless they succeed in moving Garland.
LOL Jake Fisher is reporting that the Celtics are listening to incoming calls on Simons. What incoming calls? (unless it's Milwaukee for Kuzma. No thanks to that.)

You will probably find out somewhere around Sep 6th - Sep 10th when a lot of players around the league lose their trade restrictions.


Per Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, Boston remains at least open to moving on from Simons, too, as the club strives to duck below the NBA's first luxury tax apron.

"The Celtics, to my understanding, are going to continue to look for salary-shedding opportunities, and they are going to continue to listen to incoming trade calls for Anfernee Simons," Fischer said.

"That's not to sit here and say that Anfernee Simons is definitely going to get traded ... but we're still expecting there to be a possibility of Anfernee Simons being traded, as well," Fischer added.

The 6-foot-3 combo guard, now on an expiring $27.7 million deal, is a talented scorer, but a poor defender who may prove an awkward fit for the defensively inclined Celtics.


2.5 more weeks.

[ddb]

If you are going to attach a pick or two to Simons, the guy to go after is Okongwu from Atlanta.

I don't think Atlanta would do it.

Okongwu is on a team friendly contract.
The Hawks won't do it for picks.

Jarrett Allen on the other hand could be available for salary cap purposes.

I agree. No way Atlanta goes for this. Brad just needs to wait until he's able to aggregate players with Simons. Will make it easier to get a deal done.

[GoCeltics123]

Speaking of Simons

Read on Twitter

Tbf Niang was given a number too

[Dogen]

The Cs currently have 11 guys signed and are 42 million under the second Apron for 26/27. Depending where they draft they’ll still have 35-38 million. They can use Simons salary slot and stay under the second Apron no problem. They have to stay under the first apron to use a TPE though, they have about 24 million of space there depending on the draft position. So they could use most of the TPE or Simons salary slot but probably not both. Assuming they want to get under the tax, things are much tighter. Only about 15 million under after the draft pick.

Like I said, Simons and 1st round picks for Jarrett Allen.

Solves the big man problem.

Allen will be around 30m per year from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

So if your estimate of 35-38 million is correct, Jarrett Allen is a good option.

Cavs wouldn't do it.

They're in win-now mode, trying to compete for a championship. They're not downgrading their roster for picks..

Yep, Cavs still have a legit core with Allen, and Mobley is just starting his peak.

And what would they do with Simons and Garland?