It took in the future after the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy for Brad Stevens to make the Celtics first transfer of the offseason, buying and selling Jrue Vacation to the Portland Path Blazers in trade for Anfernee Simons.
In 70 video games final yr, he averaged 19.3 PPG, 4.8 AST, and a pair of.7 REB on 43% from the sector, 36% from three, and 90% from the free throw line. He took a small step again final season statistics smart however he simply turned 26 years outdated and is about to enter the prime years of his profession.
BREAKING: The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Vacation to the Portland Path Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, sources inform ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2ycXQicGkT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
Simons is an electrical offensive participant with the ball in his palms. He is ready to create his personal shot which is one thing the Celtics are desperately going to want this season with Jayson Tatum more than likely lacking your entire season. He’s additionally a excessive flyer as he received the Slam Dunk Contest in 2021 and has some poster dunks on his resume which might be fairly spectacular at solely 6’3”. Simons can also be an elite three level shooter with a profession three level proportion of 38% who ought to thrive within the Celtics offense.
One of many greatest knocks on Simons sport is his protection as he’s not very robust on that facet of the ball. Yearly of his profession, Simons has been a under league common defender even with a slight enchancment final season. A few of that may be chalked as much as taking part in on a crew in Portland who wasn’t successful many video games, however that doesn’t inform the entire story as Simons is generally a goal on protection for opposing groups.
A very good instance of his defensive struggles got here in opposition to the Celtics on March fifth, 2025 when Derrick White and Payton Pritchard mixed for 84 factors and most of these got here on performs the place Simons was the first defender.
Simons just isn’t the everyday guard you consider while you consider the Celtics, however I feel he has potential to be a legit piece with the Celtics. Offensively, he ought to slot in fairly nicely within the Celtics three-point heavy offensive system and could be one other ball handler who can create his personal shot alongside Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
On the defensive finish, I feel with mentorship from Derrick White, Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics teaching employees can do sufficient to make him no less than a league common defender. He graded out nicely within the superior stats for protection within the 2022-23 season, so perhaps Boston can faucet into that potential.
There’s a practical risk that the Celtics flip Simons in one other deal earlier than the top of the offseason or let him go in free company since he’s on an expiring contract however I nonetheless like the concept of him in inexperienced. Welcome to Boston, Anfernee!
