Celtics Enhance Roster by Acquiring Anfernee Simons in Strategic Trade
The Boston Celtics are set to enhance their roster by acquiring Anfernee Simons from the Chicago Bulls. This strategic trade aims to bolster their frontcourt while also maneuvering their salary cap effectively. The deal involves sending Nikola Vucevic to the Celtics in exchange for Simons. While the trade is not yet finalized, it showcases both teams’ willingness to explore potential adjustments before the impending trade deadline on February 5.
Celtics’ Strategic Trade Overview
- Player Acquired: Anfernee Simons
- Player Traded: Nikola Vucevic
- Trade Deadline: February 5 at 3 p.m.
Salary Cap Maneuvering
As part of the trade, Boston will employ a sizable traded player exception (TPE) created during the Kristaps Porzingis trade, valued at $22.5 million. This exception will allow the Celtics to absorb Vucevic’s $21.5 million salary.
Additionally, by trading Simons, whose salary stands at $27.7 million, the Celtics will create a new TPE. This new TPE will exceed the previous Porzingis TPE, providing the Celtics with greater flexibility for future trades.
Financial Benefits
- The Celtics reduce their payroll by approximately $5.9 million.
- They cut their repeater tax penalty by $21.8 million.
- Boston currently sits $5.9 million above the luxury tax line, potentially facing $17.7 million in penalties.
Trade strategies indicate that the Celtics might consider further transactions to circumvent the luxury tax. This would likely involve offloading multiple players not on veteran minimum contracts.
Impact on Roster Depth
By acquiring Vucevic, the Celtics are adding depth to their center rotation, which already includes Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. This move is particularly significant as the team prepares for the return of star player Jayson Tatum.
Future Flexibility
The formation of the Simons TPE, which remains valid for one year post-trade, positions Boston to make impactful additions either in the upcoming offseason or during the 2026-27 season. As the NBA trade landscape evolves, the Celtics aim to strengthen their team and maintain a competitive edge.
