Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26, pt 3 – (Trade Deadline = Thurs, Feb. 5, 3pm, ET)

[165bows]

I flip flop everyday on moving Simons. Last night against the Pistons he looked overwhelmed in my opinion. I think if there is a good deal, Brad Stevens won't hesitate to move Simons. I think the only thing that has changed from the beginning of the season is now it's going to take a good deal and the Celtics are not just going to move him for the sake of moving him.

Exactly the same thought, the idea he can play point in real competition is way off. Literally the whole team passing fell apart at that point because they were so back on their heels.

I'm fine if they keep him once JT returns as he can play his best role, just be available to be a finisher on catch and shoot once Tatum draws all the attention. If all the attention is on Simons it's a mess and he brings so little else he needs to just be a play finisher guy to give people a break.

Tillman and Boucher for Big Al?

Had to make a quick check looks like Al has come around after an awful start to the season. Ok the return of Big Al campaign has been officially started!

[sisibilio]

Going to be a very interesting the next 17 days before the trade deadline. Celtics RealGM (including myself) seem to be leaning more towards keeping Anfernee Simons but there is one big questions that I don't believe anyone knows, will Simons be happy with a bench role moving forward.

Simons is 26 years old and has been a starter the last 3.5 years before the trade to the Celtics. If Simons wants to be a starter then he could be looking for a starter opportunity next year in the NBA and that could trump everything. Again, I have no clue what he will prioritize after this year.

If Brad Stevens doesn't feel optimistic about resigning Simons then I could easily see him moved over the next 17 days for more longer term assets.

This IS a big question. My hunch from a million miles away is that Simons spoke about wanting to contribute to a winning environment and play on TV in big games that matter before he was even traded. That has been a thing for him for a couple of years now. He has never played in a playoff environment like the TD Garden. That has changed people. The culture with this coach and staff and players is one thing. But playing on national TV at a hotbed like the Garden in front of OUR fans has put a lot of players over the top about being here once they've had the chance. I don't think it will be any different for Simons. It's gonna be everything he ever dreamed of if he makes it beyond the deadline.

Also factoring in is the FA market.who has space to offer him a new deal. As far as I know BOTH LA teams, the Wizards, Nets, Jazz, and Bulls will be under the cap. Few teams are going to be able to offer him the combination of salary, role, visibility (being on the East Coast in primetime matters), and contending situation that we can. He gets to play with some of the best players in the league. Continue his growth into a more complete player, which I think he also appreciates as a challenge.

I think he'll want to start if he comes back for sure but either way I think Brad could convince him that regardless of role that minutes would be there to contribute and perhaps a 2 year deal at a lower rate which saves the team some money but doesn't lock him into that for a long time makes sense for both sides. 2/34-35M is what I'm thinking.

I dont think its realistic expecting him to sign for less than 20 mill a year, specially if it's a short contract.

[Larry_Russell]

RE: Simons contract.

To me, I do not see Simons bringing any more than Hauser does with us having a full team. Hauser has had a little bit of a rougher season and is certainly a better player when Tatum is on the court.

But

Hauser bring an ELITE skillset, has been routinely given credit (and its due) for his defense.

And Sam is locked up at 10 mill per season.

What on earth does Simons bring that justifies him being paid TWICE as much as Sam (as referenced by some posters)

Spoiler:

Nothing

[hugepatsfan]

Going to be a very interesting the next 17 days before the trade deadline. Celtics RealGM (including myself) seem to be leaning more towards keeping Anfernee Simons but there is one big questions that I don't believe anyone knows, will Simons be happy with a bench role moving forward.

Simons is 26 years old and has been a starter the last 3.5 years before the trade to the Celtics. If Simons wants to be a starter then he could be looking for a starter opportunity next year in the NBA and that could trump everything. Again, I have no clue what he will prioritize after this year.

If Brad Stevens doesn't feel optimistic about resigning Simons then I could easily see him moved over the next 17 days for more longer term assets.

This IS a big question. My hunch from a million miles away is that Simons spoke about wanting to contribute to a winning environment and play on TV in big games that matter before he was even traded. That has been a thing for him for a couple of years now. He has never played in a playoff environment like the TD Garden. That has changed people. The culture with this coach and staff and players is one thing. But playing on national TV at a hotbed like the Garden in front of OUR fans has put a lot of players over the top about being here once they've had the chance. I don't think it will be any different for Simons. It's gonna be everything he ever dreamed of if he makes it beyond the deadline.

Also factoring in is the FA market.who has space to offer him a new deal. As far as I know BOTH LA teams, the Wizards, Nets, Jazz, and Bulls will be under the cap. Few teams are going to be able to offer him the combination of salary, role, visibility (being on the East Coast in primetime matters), and contending situation that we can. He gets to play with some of the best players in the league. Continue his growth into a more complete player, which I think he also appreciates as a challenge.

I think he'll want to start if he comes back for sure but either way I think Brad could convince him that regardless of role that minutes would be there to contribute and perhaps a 2 year deal at a lower rate which saves the team some money but doesn't lock him into that for a long time makes sense for both sides. 2/34-35M is what I'm thinking.

I dont think its realistic expecting him to sign for less than 20 mill a year, specially if it's a short contract.

I think it's very realistic. His skill set as a small scoring guard who can't play point or defend well isn't very in demand in today's game.

Let me put it like this... Simons is on a $27M expiring (i.e. short term) deal now and BOS has had him on the trade block most of the year per reports with no one really interested in him. If he has no value around the league on a $27M expiring deal, don't you think it's a pretty big leap to think the same league is going to produce a multi year, $20M+ per year deal for him in the offseason?

I'd be very surprised if he gets more than full MLE which comes out exactly the range Bucksnerevenge quoted.

[165bows]

This IS a big question. My hunch from a million miles away is that Simons spoke about wanting to contribute to a winning environment and play on TV in big games that matter before he was even traded. That has been a thing for him for a couple of years now. He has never played in a playoff environment like the TD Garden. That has changed people. The culture with this coach and staff and players is one thing. But playing on national TV at a hotbed like the Garden in front of OUR fans has put a lot of players over the top about being here once they've had the chance. I don't think it will be any different for Simons. It's gonna be everything he ever dreamed of if he makes it beyond the deadline.

Also factoring in is the FA market.who has space to offer him a new deal. As far as I know BOTH LA teams, the Wizards, Nets, Jazz, and Bulls will be under the cap. Few teams are going to be able to offer him the combination of salary, role, visibility (being on the East Coast in primetime matters), and contending situation that we can. He gets to play with some of the best players in the league. Continue his growth into a more complete player, which I think he also appreciates as a challenge.

I think he'll want to start if he comes back for sure but either way I think Brad could convince him that regardless of role that minutes would be there to contribute and perhaps a 2 year deal at a lower rate which saves the team some money but doesn't lock him into that for a long time makes sense for both sides. 2/34-35M is what I'm thinking.

I dont think its realistic expecting him to sign for less than 20 mill a year, specially if it's a short contract.

I think it's very realistic. His skill set as a small scoring guard who can't play point or defend well isn't very in demand in today's game.

Let me put it like this... Simons is on a $27M expiring (i.e. short term) deal now and BOS has had him on the trade block most of the year per reports with no one really interested in him. If he has no value around the league on a $27M expiring deal, don't you think it's a pretty big leap to think the same league is going to produce a multi year, $20M+ per year deal for him in the offseason?

I'd be very surprised if he gets more than full MLE which comes out exactly the range Bucksnerevenge quoted.

I looked at this recently and the overwhelming number of reasonable player comps are in the ~8-15M range. And there is an argument to be made that the niche he's in has been trending down, as some of these are longer deals that were signed multiple years ago. Then there are a few that are much lower as well.

[Dogen]

I keep finding articles about how the Celtic defense would be elite if they got JJJ.

Guess there's some truth to that.

And I keep trying to talk myself into the trade idea, but haven't been that big on JJJ overall. Nevertheless, having him with JB, JT, DW for the next couple years would be pretty darn elite defensively, and not too shabby offensively! It's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Jaren Jackson Jr. + Scotty Pippen Jr.

for

Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, Hugo Gonzalez + whatever picks can be negotiated.

I'd hate to give up Hugo, but I think one of the contracts needs to be a young upside player. Otherwise there is more needed in future picks and Memphis takes on more risk.

Celtics lose offensive firepower, but JJJ and Pippen are both very capable at shooting the 3 ball. And we also keep Hauser, who could stay in starting role with JJJ/Tatum/Brown/White. Everyone can shoot.

My biggest question is: Will Jackson pass?

[Celts17Pride]

I keep finding articles about how the Celtic defense would be elite if they got JJJ.

Guess there's some truth to that.

And I keep trying to talk myself into the trade idea, but haven't been that big on JJJ overall. Nevertheless, having him with JB, JT, DW for the next couple years would be pretty darn elite defensively, and not too shabby offensively! It's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Jaren Jackson Jr. + Scotty Pippen Jr.

for

Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, Hugo Gonzalez + whatever picks can be negotiated.

I'd hate to give up Hugo, but I think one of the contracts needs to be a young upside player. Otherwise there is more needed in future picks and Memphis takes on more risk.

Celtics lose offensive firepower, but JJJ and Pippen are both very capable at shooting the 3 ball. And we also keep Hauser, who could stay in starting role with JJJ/Tatum/Brown/White. Everyone can shoot.

My biggest question is: Will Jackson pass?

You fill one hole at big man and create another huge hole in the backcourt. Can't do that.

It's the same issue with trading Simons for a big man, you do that and all that is left is DWhite and PP in the backcourt. Maybe I'm just not that high on Scotty Pippen Jr.

[Dogen]

Jackson/Tatum/Hauser/Brown/White
Queta/Minott/Walsh/Scheierman/Pippen
Garza/Tillman/Boucher/

Is that enough to get it done? Seems like more vet bench is needed, and that's only 13 players.

Maybe Tillman/Boucher sent as expirings in another deal to bring in a player, and Harper and Williams are brought up.

[Andre3822]

JJJ makes disgusting money next 3 years (150mil) and we should find a much better player impact wise if we were to go that route.

Personally I think the days of having 3 big contracts are over.

[Celts17Pride]

JJJ makes disgusting money next 3 years (150mil) and we should find a much better player impact wise if we were to go that route.

Personally I think the days of having 3 big contracts are over.

Honestly, I think JJJ is a smokescreen.

[Dogen]

I keep finding articles about how the Celtic defense would be elite if they got JJJ.

Guess there's some truth to that.

And I keep trying to talk myself into the trade idea, but haven't been that big on JJJ overall. Nevertheless, having him with JB, JT, DW for the next couple years would be pretty darn elite defensively, and not too shabby offensively! It's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Jaren Jackson Jr. + Scotty Pippen Jr.

for

Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, Hugo Gonzalez + whatever picks can be negotiated.

I'd hate to give up Hugo, but I think one of the contracts needs to be a young upside player. Otherwise there is more needed in future picks and Memphis takes on more risk.

Celtics lose offensive firepower, but JJJ and Pippen are both very capable at shooting the 3 ball. And we also keep Hauser, who could stay in starting role with JJJ/Tatum/Brown/White. Everyone can shoot.

My biggest question is: Will Jackson pass?

You fill one hole at big man and create another huge hole in the backcourt. Can't do that.

It's the same issue with trading Simons for a big man, you do that and all that is left is DWhite and PP in the backcourt. Maybe I'm just not that high on Scotty Pippen Jr.

LOL, In was thinking the same thing and added to my post.

Pippen is injured still, so that's a concern, but he should be back. He's a player. Not the offense of Pritchard, but better defensively.

For more depth, a player from a team that is struggling and is in the market might be the way to go to get a decent player at reasonable cost. For example, Jose "Grand Theft" Alvarado is apparently available and the Knicks are knocking. Boston could offer expiring in Boucher and Tillman + 4.7M TPE and a 2nd or two, but that's about it.

Maybe Pippen and Alvardo are not the sexiest names, but both are good defenders, have some experience (Jose was a 6th man candidate a few years back), and seem like guys that Joe would like -- and even play. Both are not big guards, but neither is Pritchard, and that's primarily the guy being replaced in this scenario.

Jackson Jr./Tatum/Hauser/Brown/White
Queta/Minott/Walsh/Scheierman/Alvarado
Garza/Williams/Harper Jr./Pippen Jr.

[Larry_Russell]

Kuminga, Dillingham, GSW 2nd and a Celtics First to Pelicans (Out Trey Murphy 3 and Missi)

Simons and Boucher to Timberwolves (Naz Reid and Dillingham out)

Naz Reid to Warriors (Out Kuminga and a 2nd)

Trey Murphy 3 and Missi to Boston (Out Boucher, Simons and a 1st)

White/Pritchard
Brown/Hugo/Scheierman
Murphy 3/Hauser/Minott
Tatum/Walsh/Tillman
Queta/Missi/Garza

imo, still need a 3rd PG.

[brackdan70]

Kuminga, Dillingham, GSW 2nd and a Celtics First to Pelicans (Out Trey Murphy 3 and Missi)

Simons and Boucher to Timberwolves (Naz Reid and Dillingham out)

Naz Reid to Warriors (Out Kuminga and a 2nd)

Trey Murphy 3 and Missi to Boston (Out Boucher, Simons and a 1st)

White/Pritchard
Brown/Hugo/Scheierman
Murphy 3/Hauser/Minott
Tatum/Walsh/Tillman
Queta/Missi/Garza

imo, still need a 3rd PG.

Of rather make this a smaller deal for just Missi.
We really have no need for Murphy.

[Dogen]

JJJ makes disgusting money next 3 years (150mil) and we should find a much better player impact wise if we were to go that route.

Personally I think the days of having 3 big contracts are over.

Honestly, I think JJJ is a smokescreen.

I'm not sold on it, and think maybe is a smokescreen indeed. However, after the Detroit game I can't help wonder what a healthy Tatum and JJJ would add in replacement of the more diminutive PP and Simons. Celtics were getting pushed around a lot, and since that's probably the team to beat, I'd rather not see Brown have to go through all that pounding for up to seven games.

Jackson at the very least neutralizes Duren and Tuna Cassarole to some extent, and adds other dimensions. He can go both through and over defenders.

[fallguy]

JJJ makes disgusting money next 3 years (150mil) and we should find a much better player impact wise if we were to go that route.

Personally I think the days of having 3 big contracts are over.

Honestly, I think JJJ is a smokescreen.

I'm not sold on it, and think maybe is a smokescreen indeed. However, after the Detroit game I can't help wonder what a healthy Tatum and JJJ would add in replacement of the more diminutive PP and Simons. Celtics were getting pushed around a lot, and since that's probably the team to beat, I'd rather not see Brown have to go through all that pounding for up to seven games.

Jackson at the very least neutralizes Duren and Tuna Cassarole to some extent, and adds other dimensions. He can go both through and over defenders.

I would kill for an **** on this team. Someone with a really nasty physical edge.

[Celts17Pride]

Honestly, I think JJJ is a smokescreen.

I'm not sold on it, and think maybe is a smokescreen indeed. However, after the Detroit game I can't help wonder what a healthy Tatum and JJJ would add in replacement of the more diminutive PP and Simons. Celtics were getting pushed around a lot, and since that's probably the team to beat, I'd rather not see Brown have to go through all that pounding for up to seven games.

Jackson at the very least neutralizes Duren and Tuna Cassarole to some extent, and adds other dimensions. He can go both through and over defenders.

I would kill for an **** on this team. Someone with a really nasty physical edge.

Get someone to fit in between Queta and Garza and I'm happy. Something that got lost in yesterday's game was Queta had an excellent game last night 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block in 28 minutes and the Celtics were +15 in his minutes, a team high. Celtics just need one more guy.

[charlie boy]

I flip flop everyday on moving Simons. Last night against the Pistons he looked overwhelmed in my opinion. I think if there is a good deal, Brad Stevens won't hesitate to move Simons. I think the only thing that has changed from the beginning of the season is now it's going to take a good deal and the Celtics are not just going to move him for the sake of moving him.

Exactly the same thought, the idea he can play point in real competition is way off. Literally the whole team passing fell apart at that point because they were so back on their heels.

I'm fine if they keep him once JT returns as he can play his best role, just be available to be a finisher on catch and shoot once Tatum draws all the attention. If all the attention is on Simons it's a mess and he brings so little else he needs to just be a play finisher guy to give people a break.

Tillman and Boucher for Big Al?

Had to make a quick check looks like Al has come around after an awful start to the season. Ok the return of Big Al campaign has been officially started!

No Al Horford please , he is a mercenary , he betrayed the Celtics two times.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

I flip flop everyday on moving Simons. Last night against the Pistons he looked overwhelmed in my opinion. I think if there is a good deal, Brad Stevens won't hesitate to move Simons. I think the only thing that has changed from the beginning of the season is now it's going to take a good deal and the Celtics are not just going to move him for the sake of moving him.

Exactly the same thought, the idea he can play point in real competition is way off. Literally the whole team passing fell apart at that point because they were so back on their heels.

I'm fine if they keep him once JT returns as he can play his best role, just be available to be a finisher on catch and shoot once Tatum draws all the attention. If all the attention is on Simons it's a mess and he brings so little else he needs to just be a play finisher guy to give people a break.

Tillman and Boucher for Big Al?

Had to make a quick check looks like Al has come around after an awful start to the season. Ok the return of Big Al campaign has been officially started!

No Al Horford please , he is a mercenary , he betrayed the Celtics two times.

I wonder if your work contract expired, you found yourself unemployed and another company came in and offered you significantly more money to sign with them than your former employer did for you to come back if you would turn it down because it's a 'betrayal'.

[165bows]

I'm not sold on it, and think maybe is a smokescreen indeed. However, after the Detroit game I can't help wonder what a healthy Tatum and JJJ would add in replacement of the more diminutive PP and Simons. Celtics were getting pushed around a lot, and since that's probably the team to beat, I'd rather not see Brown have to go through all that pounding for up to seven games.

Jackson at the very least neutralizes Duren and Tuna Cassarole to some extent, and adds other dimensions. He can go both through and over defenders.

I would kill for an **** on this team. Someone with a really nasty physical edge.

Get someone to fit in between Queta and Garza and I'm happy. Something that got lost in yesterday's game was Queta had an excellent game last night 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block in 28 minutes and the Celtics were +15 in his minutes, a team high. Celtics just need one more guy.

If they don't make a bigger move:

Jock Landale
Horford
Sharpe
Kevon Looney (maybe)
Rob Will (as a buyout)

Edit: I'm also still interested in a flier on Karlo Matkovic to fill in as the 6th center alongside Boucher. Can never have too many big men!

[fallguy]

Exactly the same thought, the idea he can play point in real competition is way off. Literally the whole team passing fell apart at that point because they were so back on their heels.

I'm fine if they keep him once JT returns as he can play his best role, just be available to be a finisher on catch and shoot once Tatum draws all the attention. If all the attention is on Simons it's a mess and he brings so little else he needs to just be a play finisher guy to give people a break.



Had to make a quick check looks like Al has come around after an awful start to the season. Ok the return of Big Al campaign has been officially started!

No Al Horford please , he is a mercenary , he betrayed the Celtics two times.

I wonder if your work contract expired, you found yourself unemployed and another company came in and offered you significantly more money to sign with them than your former employer did for you to come back if you would turn it down because it's a 'betrayal'.

Yeah, there's no ill will towards Al in Boston.