Anfernee Simons Traded To The New York Knicks

The Boston Celtics faced salary cap issues requiring them to get below the NBA's second tax apron. To address this, they traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. However, acquiring Anfernee Simons (with a $27,678,571 contract) in the Holiday trade, along with other signings, pushed them slightly back over the second apron.

To resolve this, the Celtics could trade Anfernee Simons. The New York Knicks are suggested as an ideal trade partner. Simons averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game last season with a 36.3% three-point rate. While his production could benefit the Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum's absence, his current contract price and impending free agency make trading him more sensible for Boston.

The Knicks, positioned as contenders, seek to improve after another playoff exit before reaching the Finals. A key offseason goal is adding reliable bench depth, an area previously lacking under coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite acquiring Jordan Clarkson, their second unit remains a concern. Potential trade rumors involving Mikal Bridges also heighten their need for guard depth beyond Jalen Brunson.

Simons is presented as a suitable trade target for the Knicks. Being younger than Bridges and possessing scoring upside, he could provide the offensive boost needed alongside Brunson. For the Celtics, acquiring Knicks players Miles McBride (to address guard depth at a lower cost) and Mitchell Robinson (to fill the starting center role vacated by Porzingis) is proposed as a potential return.