The Feb. 5 trade deadline is a week away, and the Boston Celtics are expected to be an active participant in trade negotiations as they search for an upgrade at the center position. Brad Stevens will likely seek out a veteran talent who can immediately improve the Celtics in the middle of the floor while also projecting to be a long-term member of the rotation alongside Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Anfernee Simons is being floated as Boston’s most logical trade chip. As such, his name is expected to pop up in multiple conversations over the next week, which could potentially lead to his departure.
“I think they’re going to do something,” Haynes said when speaking with Sirius XM NBA Dash Radio. “I think, from all things that I’m hearing, Anthony Simons is someone who is on the trade market. I was told that the Celtics are looking for front-court help. Looking for a big reinforcement there. So, yeah, I do think there will be a player added to the equation via a trade. I don’t think anything big, but they’re looking for front-court help, which is what I was told.”
There is a downside to trading Simons, though. His absence would leave the Celtics notably short on guard depth, especially in terms of the second unit. Nevertheless, Simons’ expiring contract makes him a “use it or lose it” type of asset, and that could lead Stevens to be aggressive in negotiations.
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Simons has been a key member of Boston’s rotation this season. Losing him would undoubtedly be a blow. Nevertheless, if the Celtics can acquire their starting center of the future, the limited guard depth is likely a risk worth taking.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: NBA Insider confirms Celtics are shopping key guard