Celtics Explored Trading Simons to Nets, Bucks in Offseason

Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons remains with the team five months after his acquisition from the Portland Trail Blazers, but new details have emerged about the franchise's offseason efforts to trade him. League sources indicated that the Celtics engaged in multiple discussions with the Brooklyn Nets that could have sent the 26-year-old to the rebuilding squad, though those talks collapsed before the season. The Milwaukee Bucks also monitored Simons as a potential target during the summer.

The Celtics acquired Simons in a deal that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland, positioning him as a key addition amid roster adjustments following Jayson Tatum's season-ending Achilles injury. With Tatum sidelined, Boston sought to reshape its lineup while navigating the NBA's second-apron salary restrictions. Sources noted that the team explored packaging Simons, who is in the final year of a $27.7 million contract, in trades to address frontcourt needs. Discussions with Brooklyn included scenarios involving Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe, whom Boston viewed as a viable starter despite offering only a veteran minimum deal. Sharpe, averaging 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in limited minutes behind...