NOTE: I think this trade probably happens at the deadline for salary purposes

Celtics:

In: Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, 2026 2nd-round pick

Out: Anfernee Simons

• Simons' $27.6M expiring deal is hefty, and I expect him to get swapped at the deadline. By swapping for Jones Jr. and Dunn, Boston moves off of Simons' one year deal for plug-and-play role players with both 2 years left on their contracts for when Jayson Tatum returns. Also, not to mention ducking below the 2nd apron.

• With Tatum sidelined, Boston leans on rugged defense. Jones Jr. and Dunn fir their archetype of switchable, high-motor defenders.

• Simons is a bucket getter, but Boston's offense doesn't need a shoot first guard. Dunn and Jones Jr. are complementary glue guys, while adding a second round pick in 2026 doesn't hurt either.

Clippers:

In: Anfernee Simons

Out: Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, 2026 2nd-round pick

• The Clippers are focused on freeing up cap space for the 2027 free afent class. Taking on Simons' expiring deal helps them clear the books without any long term commitments.

• With Powell gone and Collins added, Simons offers a backcourt scoring punch to complement Harden and Kawhi.

• Simons is a movable piece. If he thrives, they can re-sign him or flip him. If not, his contract expires cleanly, its a low-risk, high-reward upside swing