NBA Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends Anfernee Simons West

The Boston Celtics are actively cutting costs this offseason, having traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and potentially preparing to trade Anfernee Simons, who was acquired in the Holiday deal but carries a high salary and limited defensive impact. Despite the loss of key players and Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury sidelining him for the 2025-26 season, Boston aims to remain competitive but does not expect to contend for a title, focusing instead on avoiding long-term salary cap penalties. Proposals suggest trades involving DeMar DeRozan and draft assets to bolster the roster while managing payroll, with Celtics management open to moves that save money and fill positional needs. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks are aggressively pursuing contention by signing key free agents like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, and gaining valuable draft picks, positioning themselves to capitalize on injuries in the Eastern Conference. Other teams like Sacramento and Chicago have made fewer impactful moves, with Sacramento rumored to consider trading DeRozan and Chicago making modest roster changes but lacking a clear direction. Overall, the Eastern Conference landscape is shifting, with Boston taking a strategic step back due to injuries and salary constraints, while Atlanta pushes to seize an opening for postseason success.