If the Boston Celtics decide to flip Anfernee Simons before the trade deadline, the Miami Heat are a sensible suitor for the young guard.
As the Eastern Conference opens up more than ever, the Miami Heat joined the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks as newer contenders. By trading for Norman Powell, the Heat rounded out a fast-paced starting five of him, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware.
However, the Heat have long found success with a reliable bench unit, and by making a trade with their in-conference rival, the Boston Celtics, the Heat could round out their depth and maximize rookie Kasparas Jakucionis.
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty ImagesMock trade sends Anfernee Simons to Heat
After sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks in cost-cutting moves, the Celtics are ready for a down year as Jayson Tatum recovers from injury.
Anfernee Simons is on the last year of his contract, making him expendable, although Boston likely wouldn’t want to take on any contracts longer than one season to retain their flexibility. The Heat could offer an ideal trade package.
Full Mock Trade Details
Heat receive: Anfernee SimonsCeltics receive: Terry Rozier, 2026 first-round pick (lottery protected)
If Miami somehow misses the playoffs, it retains its pick and can start over in a similar spot next summer. However, with Herro and Powell starting in the backcourt, trading for Simons gives them an upgrade over Terry Rozier.
Simons is a solid, although not elite, defender who has shot 38.1% from deep in his career. He can play both on and off the ball, giving Jakucionis a reliable second option in the backcourt, taking some ball-handling pressure off the rookie.
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty ImagesWhy the Celtics would agree to this trade
Boston saves an additional $1 million by completing this trade, although the real prize here is a first-round pick.
Next summer, Boston will have three roster spots open up, and they own their own first-round selection. By adding two rookies, the Celtics can remain under the second apron once Tatum returns, or they could flip the pick for a proven win-now player who can help them reopen a title window.
Last season, Rozier averaged significantly fewer points and assists than Simons while shooting worse, although the Celtics are well aware that next season won’t be their best, anyway, and sacrificing the better player for a future-driven asset makes sense.
If a better offer comes around, Boston should take it, although they have been openly shopping Simons ever since they acquired him.