Celtics Rumors: Top Piece In Jrue Holiday Deal Already On Trade Block?

Celtics fans shouldn’t get too attached to Anfernee Simons.

The main piece acquired in the reported Jrue Holiday trade, Simons is an intriguing player with significant offensive upside. Though a defensive liability, Simons averaged 19.9 points per game over the last four for the Portland Trail Blazers. He could shoulder much of the offensive burden next season as Jayson Tatum recovers from his torn Achilles.

But don’t be surprised if Simons never plays a game for Boston.

During a Tuesday night appearance on “SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt”, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the Celtics were fielding trade calls on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White after dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. However, Charania indicated Boston is more likely to trade Simons and/or Sam Hauser.

“At minimum, I expect Sam Hauser (and) Anfernee Simons (will be) discussed,” Charania said. “Will a team match that price threshold that, I’m told, the Celtics have set around the league for Jaylen Brown or Derrick White to be able to get them? They are listening, but will a team get there?”

Charania added: “Just in the span of the last two days … they’ve shed 180 million dollars in luxury-tax savings. They’ve gotten out of the second apron. But with a season next year full of uncertainty, just how much do they want to get out of these aprons and the taxes?”

Charania’s reporting arrived hours after he told Stephen A. Smith that there was “significant” league-wide interest in a Brown trade. So, there appears to be a real chance of the Celtics dealing their star forward.

If that happens, it’s hard to envision Boston also trading Simons, who could be a useful piece as the Celtics enter a new era. Boston also could prop up Simons early next season before moving him at the trade deadline.

With all that said, speculating about the Celtics probably is a waste of time. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has established himself as one of the more unpredictable — and excellent — executives in the NBA.