Boston Celtics Expected To Trade Key Players Including Anfernee Simons Amid Salary Shedding

The Boston Celtics, who won the NBA championship in 2024, are facing a challenging 2025-26 season due to key injuries, roster changes, and financial constraints. With star Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles and significant offseason departures, the team is expected to struggle and potentially finish with a sub-.500 record. To manage salary and avoid the costly luxury tax, the Celtics' front office, led by Brad Stevens, is predicted to pursue further trades, with Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser identified as the most likely trade candidates. Simons, acquired from Portland for Jrue Holiday, is on a $27.7 million expiring contract and could be moved to reduce luxury tax payments, while Hauser, a sharpshooter and part of the 2024 title team, is less likely to be traded due to his recent extension and history with the team. Despite this, Simons is expected to play a significant role off the bench to start the season, as the team experiments with various starting lineups. Overall, the Celtics appear poised to balance competitive aims with financial prudence through potential midseason roster adjustments.