Celtics Reportedly Tried These 2 Blockbuster Trades Before Moving Anfernee Simons
The Celtics reportedly traded Anfernee Simons on Tuesday, but Brad Stevens apparently was hoping for a larger return for the ascending guard.
Boston sent Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick, according to multiple reports. There are many layers to the trade, from the financial ramifications to the lineup shuffling to the potential for additional moves.
However, for now, let’s focus on what didn’t happen.
Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype offered a fascinating follow-up report on the Celtics’ attempts to shop Simons in larger details before settling for the Vucevic deal.
“The Celtics previously proposed Anfernee Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Clippers center Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which the Clippers declined, sources said,” Scott wrote on X. “Boston also inquired on Jaren Jackson Jr. Instead, Boston lands Nikola Vucevic.”
Jackson and Zubac both are significantly better players than Vucevic, particularly at these stages of their respective careers. So, don’t let someone tell you that Boston simply wanted to dump Simons’ salary to get under the dreaded first apron. There’s a ton of nuance surrounding this trade, and Stevens has earned the benefit of the doubt.
Nevertheless, the Celtics will move forward with Vucevic as their top center. The 35-year-old no longer plays at an All-Star level but represents a substantial frontcourt upgrade for the Celtics, who entered Tuesday tied with the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.