To begin the season, most Boston Celtics fans assumed Anfernee Simons would be used as a trade chip on or near the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. Simons joined Boston as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. The talented scorer is in the final year of his current contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

However, as the season has worn on, Simons has become a key member of the Celtics’ rotation. He’s grown into his role as the team’s sixth man and currently ranks third in the NBA for total points off the bench. Due to his consistent impact, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Stevens parts with Simons before the trade deadline, and potentially looks to re-sign him during the summer.

Advertisement

The problem is, if Simons isn’t part of a trade, Boston’s chances of landing a high-level difference-maker will take a considerable hit. That issue only grows if you expect Sam Hauser to also be off limits. With all that in mind, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance recently discussed the tough decisions Brad Stevens is facing in the coming weeks during an episode of the “How ‘Bout Them Celtics” podcast.

You can watch the full podcast episode by clicking on the embedded video above.

Watch or listen to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Advertisement

Spotify: https://bit.ly/40JRevf

Apple: https://apple.co/45sAUBG

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: The Celtics face a trade deadline dilemma