Brad Stevens Praises Celtics Newcomer, Who’s Reportedly On Trade Block

If the Celtics ultimately trade Anfernee Simons before he ever plays a game in Boston, it won’t be because they didn’t like the player.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens made that clear when speaking about Simons, who the Green acquired when they traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.

“Anfernee is a guy people out here probably don’t see as much because of the time that they play,” Stevens told reporters at The Auerbach Center on Tuesday, as seen on NBC Sports Boston. “But his ability to score, to shoot the ball, make really hard shots, is pretty elite. And you look, a guy that’s 26 years old and averaged 20 a game for three straight years,

“I think he’s a really good player, and I think he can get better,” Stevens said. “That’s a big part of it.”

So why does Simons continue to be included in trade speculation? ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst on Wednesday shared the Celtics are “actively” trying to trade Simons, and that was after colleague Shams Charania hinted at the same outcome for Simons.

Well, Simmons is owed $27.7 million in 2025-26 and Boston has been in cost-cutting mode this offseason. Stevens bluntly said the second apron of the luxury tax, and the penalties that come along with it, are why the Green dealt Holiday to the Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks.

It’s yet to be seen if another team will be willing to deal for Simons, who’s playing on an expiring contract. But perhaps Stevens’ glowing praise will entice those who had been thinking about it.