Celtics Eye 25-Year-Old Sixth Man for Trade Opportunity

The Boston Celtics are currently positioned as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, holding the No. 3 seed after 36 games this season. With superstar forward Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injury, many expected the team to struggle. Instead, they have won two-thirds of their conference matchups, raising questions about their roster strategy moving forward.

Celtics Consider Trade for Financial Flexibility

Anfernee Simons, the Celtics’ shooting guard, stands out as a crucial figure in potential trade discussions. With a base salary of $27.7 million, he has emerged as the team’s most significant trade asset. Although his performance has been commendable, averaging nearly 14 points per game and hitting 40% of his three-point attempts, he has yet to start a game this season.

Understanding Simons’ Trade Value

NBA analysts believe the Celtics may explore trading Simons to maneuver around the luxury tax. Zach Kram from ESPN noted that while the Celtics are competitive, they should not relinquish Simons solely for tax relief. Instead, a strategic trade could enhance their financial flexibility while adding valuable assets to the roster.

Potential Trade: Ayo Dosunmu

One proposed trade destination for Simons is the Chicago Bulls, with Ayo Dosunmu identified as a suitable replacement. Dosunmu, entering his fifth year in the league, is known for his speed and efficiency. He has similar statistics to Simons but with a significantly lower salary. This trade would not only relieve the Celtics of approximately $20 million but also provide them with a capable player.

• Dosunmu’s Key Stats:
  • 3-point shooting: 43% this season
  • Higher assists and rebounds compared to Simons
• Contract Details:
  • Dosunmu’s salary: nearly four times smaller than Simons
  • Both players are set to be free agents after the 2025-26 season

The Celtics are also equipped with four draft picks for the upcoming season, potentially enabling them to sweeten any trade deal. As the trade deadline approaches, the team’s decisions will be crucial for maintaining their championship ambitions while managing financial responsibilities.