Celtics could make massive trade with Simons, prepare themselves for future originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in all of sports.
It makes sense if the team tries to compete for a championship next season despite their roster not being as talented as it was in past years.
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Although their center rotation is a bit questionable, one area they are set on is their guards.
A combination of Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, recently acquired Anfernee Simons, and rookie Hugo González is more than enough for next season.
When they traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, it was clear these moves were made for financial reasons.
Right now, the team is $12 million away from the luxury tax line, and they have an expiring Simons on the books.
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The move for Simons saved them a couple of million dollars, but they could make more progress if they looked to dump his salary as well.
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When the Celtics traded Georges Niang, they created a path to avoid the luxury tax both this year and next, which would reset their tax clock, forgoing the financial punishments they could face.
Although Simons is a great young player who could provide value to a team like the Celtics, he isn’t essential to the roster.
Teams like the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, who are in the market for a starting point guard, may entice the Celtics with what they have to offer.
It may require multiple teams to make a deal, and some convincing in the Boston front office, but for a team that won’t be the strongest next year, it may be in their best interest to save the salary and create wiggle room for the future.
