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A Chicago Bulls logo is seen on the floor before a game
As the Chicago Bulls work down the final stretch of the 2025-2026 NBA season, they’ve been hit with a critical injury. The trade deadline acquisition, Anfernee Simons, went down with a wrist-related setback.
Recently, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan made it clear that Simons had to undergo extended testing to check the severity of the setback. The Bulls’ injury report against the Charlotte Hornets reflects that Simons likely reached his final diagnosis, offering the public a critical update on the standout veteran guard.
What Is Anfernee Simons’ Injury Diagnosis?
GettyEx-Celtics guard Anfernee Simons is dealing with a injury while with the Chicago Bulls.
Simons is listed as out with a wrist contusion. It seems the Bulls veteran has avoided a notable setback.
For the Bulls, that could mean Simons has a shot at returning sometime soon. They could then get a chance to have an extended look at Simons, who is playing for a new contract.
As expected, Simons was a possible trade candidate from the Boston Celtics this year. After Boston picked up Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers in the Jrue Holiday deal, he was expected to be a potential trade candidate if the Celtics needed help elsewhere.
With a need for a front-court addition, the Celtics worked the phones for a Simons deal and got one with the Bulls. Boston netted Nikola Vucevic.
A Strong Start For Simons
GettyAnfernee Simons could return to the Bulls soon.
Since joining the Bulls, Simons had the chance to play in six games. He averaged 15.2 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. Simons shot 43 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.
Before Chicago picked up Simons, he played in 49 games for the Celtics. While making 44 percent of his shots and draining 39 percent of his threes, Simons posted averages of 15.2 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. He was a solid addition to a Celtics team that kept its contending hopes high, despite missing Jayson Tatum due to an injury.
Simons should have a strong market this summer. His four-year, $100 million deal, which was signed in 2022, will expire.
He might struggle to command the same contract value. At the time of the first signing, Simons was coming off a season when he averaged 17.3 points and 3.9 assists. He was on a Portland team that didn’t have playoff expectations.
What Could Be Next?
At 26, Simons is ready to take the next step in his career, which could mean remaining in a role-player position.
On a contending Celtics team, Simons proved he could have an impact with fewer attempts compared to his final few seasons with the Blazers. Interested teams have plenty of tape on Simons, playing multiple roles in Portland and Boston.
On his way out from the Celtics’ organization, the young veteran landed plenty of praise and support from his Boston teammates. That should go over well across the league, considering how respected the Celtics are.
Getting a chance to play with the Bulls down the stretch should allow Simons an opportunity to show he can be a top option in a starting five. It’s unclear when that opportunity might come, but it seems Simons avoided a long-term setback.
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