Clippers were just gifted perfect Celtics trade target to cap dream offseason

The Los Angeles Clippers made significant offseason moves, trading for Norman Powell and acquiring Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez via free agency, while also re-signing James Harden. This activity results in one of the NBA's oldest rosters, averaging nearly 31 years old, raising concerns about the risk of relying heavily on players in their 30s despite their current performance levels.

While adding Paul aims to stabilize the second unit, the Clippers still lack shot creation and scoring off the bench. Bogdan Bogdanovic is present but is coming off a poor season. Anfernee Simons, recently traded to the Boston Celtics, is identified as a potential trade target to address this need. Boston is reportedly open to moving Simons due to a crowded backcourt and a desire to feature Payton Pritchard.

Simons has developed into a capable scorer, averaging 19 points per game last season with solid shooting efficiency (43% FG, 36% 3PT). He was particularly efficient from mid-range (47%) and on above-the-break threes (37%), both above league average. The article argues he would provide more consistent scoring punch off the bench than Bogdanovic.

Acquiring Simons is presented as beneficial for addressing the Clippers' playoff offensive struggles against teams like Denver, where shot creation was lacking. While Beal and Powell help the starters, Simons would bolster the bench scoring. His off-ball value, demonstrated by shooting 38% on catch-and-shoot threes and 39% on open/widely open threes, is highlighted as a good fit alongside primary ball-handlers Harden and Paul.

Simons carries little financial risk as he is on an expiring $27 million contract, preserving the Clippers' flexibility for future offseasons. The Clippers possess assets like second-round picks and pick swaps that could facilitate a trade with Boston.

Adding Simons would provide the older Clippers guard rotation with a needed infusion of youth and athleticism. He could handle a heavier regular-season workload to preserve veterans for the playoffs. The article concludes that acquiring Simons would deepen the roster, an important consideration in a competitive Western Conference, and aid the Clippers' championship pursuit.