Avoiding the luxury tax this season isn’t necessarily a top priority for the Celtics, who have conveyed to rival teams that they’re not looking to attach a first-round pick to Anfernee Simons‘ expiring $27.7MM contract in a cost-cutting move, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Presumably, the Celtics would remain open to the idea of moving Simons and draft compensation for a meaningful upgrade, but not for a lateral move that simply reduces their tax bill. For instance, Scotto says the Bulls inquired earlier this season about a swap of Simons and a first-round pick for center Nikola Vucevic, which didn’t interest Boston.
On the other hand, the Celtics did kick the tires on the possibility of a deal sending Simons, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for big man Ivica Zubac and salary filler, but they didn’t gain any momentum on that front, per Scotto. Having won 16 of their past 19 games, the Clippers reportedly aren’t entertaining the idea of a Zubac trade at this point.
Although they’d be open to a deal that upgrades their frontcourt, the Celtics are also weighing the possibility of trading some of their depth in the middle, given that Neemias Queta has played well as the starting five and Luka Garza is handling the backup role. Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman are possible trade candidates, Scotto writes, citing league sources who say the Hawks, Sixers, and Suns are among the teams to express exploratory interest in Boucher.
Here are a few more of the highlights from Scotto’s latest rumor round-up:
- The Timberwolves have been receiving calls from rival teams about key contributors like Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVincenzo, but they highly value those players and aren’t looking to move any of them, according to Scotto. McDaniels is viewed as borderline untouchable, while Minnesota would likely only seriously consider moving Reid and DiVincenzo for an All-Star caliber player, Scotto adds.
- Although there were some whispers about the possibility of the Spurs and Knicks swapping Jeremy Sochan for Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet, San Antonio wasn’t interested in that construction due to Yabusele’s $5.8MM player option for next season, says Scotto.
- As the Knicks consider their trade options, they’re willing to include the Wizards’ top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick to upgrade their roster, per Scotto. That pick almost certainly won’t convey, which means it would instead turn into Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-round selections, but given where the Wizards are in their rebuild, those second-rounders are still considered valuable.
- As Ayo Dosunmu nears unrestricted free agency, some executives around the NBA believe the Bulls guard will be in line for a contract in the neighborhood of the full mid-level exception or even higher, Scotto writes.
I hate this front office. Absolutely out of touch with reality.
At least the Bulls are trying to make trades unlike the previous 3 years or so
Says who? Nobody in this sad organization that’s for sure.
IMO the Knicks need to keep Diadet. I think he could be good and he’s cheap. They made the mistake getting Yabu instead of bringing back Precious. I’d release Yabu and play one of the kids more like McCullers or Diadet. He can’t do any worse. Yabu takes up a valuable roster spot.
Trade Simons, Boucher and two 2nds to the Wolves for Juluis Randle and Bones Hyland
Helps both teams
Boston. Tatum to SF, J Brown to SG, Pritchard sixth man for one year, Hyland try to take Simons old spot
Wolves. Simons to PG starter, Naz Reid to PF starter
Who says no?
Hyland might struggle with that role lol
Offer Bismack Biyombo, Lindey Waters, Jordan McLaughlin plus cash for Guerschon Yabusele, Dadiet and Diawara
Works for both teams
Who says no?
What is the purpose of this? Diawara has potential
The Spurs future at PF would be Diawara
This helps the Knicks get rid of the Yabusele contract for next year and lose spare parts.
Yes the Spurs get the better deal so New York can’t beg for everything. Do you have a dollar? Then the Knicks makes another deal
Wow I would really like to add Sochan to our bench.
Unfortunately that tells me Knicks are not shopping Mitch. And that just makes next yr more confusing.
Only reason to keep Mitch around past TD. Is for insurance on Towns. Which means the bench will have to be reworked with young players and picks. Those Wash picks will be high 2nd rd picks. Very valuable for a team looking to save money.
I look at Spurs, and what can they really use. Shooters and a real 4. Something Knicks don’t have. Yabu shot well for French team. Knicks should be looking at Bey n Looney in N.O.
Yabusele, Kolek, Wash pick ——. To Kings
Precious, Westbrook ……. To Knicks
Thats an all in now type deal. Kolek has shown signs of being a decent bench player
Kolek is young and inconsistent. We are ready for Title run. Don’t need guys who can’t hang lol. Precious knows this team. Westbrook is a HOFer has never won. Much better than Kolek for our bench. All about NOW with Knicks bro.
Offer Barnes, Olynyk, McLaughlin, Waters plus two 2nds to the Clippers for John Collins, Chris Paul, Niederhäuser and Kobe Brown
Waive Brown, Umude, Garcia and sign Alec Burks, Pate and Chomche
Or
Offer Biyombo, Waters, McLaughlin, cash and one 2nd to New York for Guerschon Yabusele, Dadiet, Diawara and James Nnaji draft rights. Trade Kelly O and a 2nd to Brooklyn for cash, sign Reggie Jackson