Should the Celtics Make a Deal?

Only if it’s the right one

A funny thing happened to Anfernee Simons en route to becoming a minor footnote in Celtics history. The guy is on his way to becoming a genuine cult hero with a combination of tremendous shotmaking and passable defense. No longer merely an expiring contract to be dealt for cap savings or a viable big man, Simons has become a vital member of a leading contender.

In many ways, Simons represents the epitome of this Celtics team. Given a chance to contribute to a winning operation, he’s made the most of his opportunity. There may even be a compelling argument to keep him around beyond this season. What an incredible turn of events for both a player and a team who no one thought would be in this position.

In many ways the Feb. 5 trade deadline will tell us how the Celtics feel about Simons because if you’re wondering whether they should make a trade, you’re really asking if they should trade Simons. No one else on the roster carries a contract nearly as large as Simons’ $27.8 million. Good luck if you’re trying to cobble together matching salaries out of the bargain bin of the rotation. For the Celtics to make a major move, Simons has to be involved.

At one point, trading Simons at the deadline seemed like a foregone conclusion, if not even a best-case scenario. Here’s an alternate thought: What if they just didn’t?

We dive into that very question for paid subscribers, along with an examination of Joe Mazzulla’s late-game genius against Brooklyn, plus a look ahead to a fascinating homestand.