The Boston Celtics are considering moves involving recent additions Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang as part of their effort to manage luxury tax limits for the upcoming season. Acquired in trades this offseason, both players could be used in future deals to reduce the team’s salary burden and maintain financial flexibility.
Background on Player Acquisitions and Trade Maneuvers
The Celtics received Anfernee Simons in the trade that sent Jrue Holiday elsewhere, while Georges Niang arrived in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, along with a second-round draft pick. Despite adding these two shooters to the roster, the Celtics do not appear committed to keeping either player beyond the current season as they continue to explore trade options.
Balancing Roster Construction and Salary Limits
Boston is actively working to get under the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax threshold, which requires shedding additional salary. While both Simons and Niang remain on the Celtics’ roster as the season begins, management is open to moving either player if suitable trade opportunities arise before the deadline to relieve payroll pressure.
Insights from Analyst Brett Siegel on Celtics’ Strategy
NBA insider Brett Siegel highlighted Boston’s ongoing trade discussions involving both players. He said,
“The Boston Celtics have remained active on the trade market this offseason, even after trading for Simons and Georges Niang,”
and added,
“While they have talked with teams about both players, the Celtics will likely enter the season with these two on their roster. It is very possible that Simons and/or Niang could be flipped to cut costs at the trade deadline, depending on where Boston is in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics do want to see how Simons fits in Joe Mazzulla’s system, as he is a player they are intrigued by, given his 3-point shooting prowess.”
—Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
Evaluating Simons and Niang’s Fit With the Celtics
Anfernee Simons offers Boston valuable scoring ability and is known for his shooting from beyond the arc, an asset for the Celtics’ offense. His contract is expiring at season’s end, which means his salary would not impact the team’s long-term cap. Similarly, Georges Niang is a proficient three-point shooter who complements Boston’s tendency to take a high volume of three-point attempts, and he is also on an expiring deal.
Possible Outcomes: Retaining or Trading the Shooters
If no favorable trade partners emerge, the Celtics may opt to keep Simons and Niang through the season, leveraging their shooting skillsets to fit the team’s style. Otherwise, both players could be moved at the trade deadline to help Boston better manage salary commitments and maintain flexibility for future roster moves.
Looking Ahead for the Celtics’ Roster Management
The coming months will be crucial as the Celtics weigh integrating these players into Joe Mazzulla’s system against their broader luxury tax goals. How the team performs within the highly competitive Eastern Conference may influence whether Boston decides to keep or trade Simons and Niang before the trade deadline approaches.