You say rebuild, and the NBA world hears the Boston Celtics. Seems pretty synonymous at this point. They sent away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to make space in their tight financial situation. Did that help? Yes. So much so, they agreed to bring Portland’s $100 million star, Anfernee Simons, to the roster. But wait! What if there were more options in the trade market? Maybe a better bargain, who could ultimately fill in the gap in Jayson Tatum’s absence and also add more force when he returns. But who?

Simons inked a 4-year, $100 million deal with the Trail Blazers on July 6, 2022. That deal has him locked in through the 2025-26 season with a base salary of $27,678,571 waiting for him at the finish line. Fresh off a season where he dropped 19.3 points, grabbed 2.7 rebounds, and dished out 4.8 assists per game, Simons also hit 42.6 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from deep. Now, Boston has welcomed Simons with open arms. With  Tatum ruled out for next season due to his Achilles injury, the Cs are testing new waters—and Simons is possibly their wildcard.

Following the trade, Simons’ remaining contract travels with him, meaning Boston will cover the full chunk—$27.678 million for 2025-26. Portland steps aside, off the hook financially but deep into their next rebuild. Meanwhile, the Celtics are experimenting boldly. The front office is less interested in quick-fix trades and more intrigued by Simons’ long-term spark. The new coaching staff and system, combined with Tatum’s absence, create the perfect storm for Anfernee Simons to explode. Boston’s not looking back. They are leaning into potential, swagger, and whatever magic he can conjure with the ball.

However, the Brooklyn Nets’ 26-year-old center, Nic Claxton, has returned to trade conversations. And this time, as Charlotte Baker informed: “According to sources, a one-for-one trade that sends newly acquired Anfernee Simons to Brooklyn in exchange for Claxton could be mutually beneficial.” 

Nic Claxton could be Boston’s next big flex. The Celtics, hungry for frontcourt muscle, are eyeing the Brooklyn Nets‘ center like a secret weapon. Claxton’s been chilling on the trade block all summer, waiting for a call that matters. A three-team trade could do the trick—Boston grabs Claxton, Brooklyn lands Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey, and Detroit walks away with Anfernee Simons, Drew Timme, and a 2028 first-round pick.

Brooklyn pockets Ivey, a spark plug before injury slowed him down. Add Harris’ expiring deal, and suddenly the Nets have breathing room and a guard with upside. Detroit? They swap promise for present firepower. Simons brings 19.3 points per game and a $27.678 million contract that vanishes after next season. Toss in a future first-rounder and Drew Timme’s wild-card energy, and Detroit gets a soft reboot without pulling the plug.

The Celtics steal the spotlight here. Claxton’s averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 boards, 2.2 dimes, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 swats a night. He brings elite athleticism and anchors the defense like a towering force. He cannot stretch the floor, but he stretches the possibilities. With a contract that shrinks each year, Claxton becomes both a playoff asset and a long-term blueprint. Once Tatum returns, pairing Claxton with him and Jaylen Brown might be the final piece Boston’s been craving.

Let’s be clear—Brad Stevens pulled more than just the Anfernee Simons move from his sleeve this summer. He is trying everything he can to bring pressure on the court for Jayson Tatum. The man worked the cap sheet like a seasoned magician, slicing under the second apron with a grin. He pulled off the Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis moves without coughing up a single first-rounder. That alone deserves a standing ovation. But wait till you see the full masterpiece.

Anfernee Simons is just one chapter in the Cs’ 2025 transformation

The Celtics are tiptoeing through the summer chaos with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles recovery still cloaked in mystery. Brad Stevens says he’s “progressing at an incredible rate,” but no return date yet. Meanwhile, the second apron from the 2023 CBA hovers like a luxury tax monster. Boston just slipped under it, dodging wild restrictions on trades, signings, and draft picks that would have frozen flexibility.

Stevens pulled the plug on both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to slash the bill from $540 million to $280 million. He flipped Holiday for Anfernee Simons and two second-rounders, and sent Porzingis packing for Georges Niang and a second-round pick. Simons enters the final year of a $27.6 million contract, while Niang could also be flipped to maintain financial breathing room. One thing’s clear—Stevens didn’t just escape. He sprinted out with style.

Trading Sam Hauser and his four-year $45 million deal, or even dealing Simons or Niang, would ease the squeeze. Offers for Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are pouring in before the draft. But if Stevens touches either, Boston might collapse into revolt. And let’s not forget that the front office seemingly has its eyes on Ben Simmons. The question now? Will he ride the rebuild wave or hold the line for a final run?

Well, Brad Stevens turned a financial minefield into a masterclass. He trimmed $260 million off the books, pulled off bold trades, dodged the second apron storm, and brought Anfernee Simons into the mix. Now with Nic Claxton and even Ben Simmons in the rumor mill, the plot thickens. The Celtics are cooking. Whether it’s a rebuild or a reload, the fireworks are far from over.