Boston Celtics Look to Restructure Roster and Save Costs

As the Boston Celtics head into a pivotal 2025-26 season, they have been remarkably active in trimming down their payroll, shedding hundreds of millions in salary and luxury tax obligations. With Jayson Tatum likely sidelined for much of the season due to his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles, the Celtics are not yet finished with their overhaul.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Celtics are actively seeking additional salary-shedding opportunities and are open to trade calls for guard Anfernee Simons, who is on an expiring contract. Despite Simons' capabilities as a potent three-point shooter, his fit with the Celtics in their current rebuilding phase is questionable.

A Proposed Three-Team Trade

The proposed framework for a three-team trade could see Simons heading to the Toronto Raptors, while the Celtics receive Terance Mann, Ochai Agbaji, and a second-round pick from Toronto. In return, the Brooklyn Nets would gain R.J. Barrett and a second-round pick from Boston.

For Boston, this trade primarily aims to reduce costs further. Recent moves to let Al Horford walk and trade key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis helped them bring their salary under the luxury tax threshold, but they still have work to do. With their best player out for the season, cutting payroll is a strategy that makes sense as they work to avoid hefty penalties associated with high salaries.

Although this deal may not completely eliminate the potential for repeater tax penalties, it would still help the Celtics maneuver under the first-apron line while potentially adding youthful assets like the 25-year-old Agbaji and movable pieces like Mann.

Raptors and Nets' Perspective

The Raptors, who finished near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting, would greatly benefit from acquiring Simons. His shooting prowess—averaging nearly 3 three-pointers per game with a 38.6% success rate over the last five years—could provide the team with a much-needed offensive boost, especially alongside their current roster of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

For the Nets, while R.J. Barrett may not fit perfectly, his potential as a higher-impact player than Mann offers value. Barrett's contract extends for just one season beyond the current one, providing Brooklyn with flexibility while adding a second-round pick in the mix could be beneficial for their future moves.

Conclusion

This proposed trade reflects the ongoing strategic shifts being made by the Celtics and their counterparts. As each team evaluates how best to position itself for future success, the focus will remain on savvy financial maneuvers and bolstering prospects through thoughtful trades.