Report: Celtics among teams showing interest in Anfernee Simons
The Boston Celtics are reportedly among three teams expected to pursue Anfernee Simons in NBA free agency, alongside the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors. NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein linked the former Boston guard to all three clubs Tuesday, setting up a busy market for the 27-year-old scorer as free agency opens.
Key Takeaways
- Jake Fischer and Marc Stein report the Celtics, Bulls, and Warriors are expected to show interest in Anfernee Simons once free agency opens Tuesday evening.
- Simons averaged 14.2 points in 49 bench games with Boston before a February trade sent him to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic.
- Bleacher Report adds the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks to the suitor list as the Heat build around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
- Simons is an unrestricted free agent after completing a four-year, $100 million extension with Portland, Boston, and Chicago.
- Heavy.com reports Fischer called a Simons move to Miami a "huge possibility" as the Heat prioritize floor spacing.
Which teams are chasing Anfernee Simons?
According to NESN, Fischer and Stein named the Celtics, Bulls, and Warriors as the core trio expected to pursue Simons when free agency opens. Celtics beat writer John Karalis had already floated Simons as a reunion target in mid-May.
The picture grew wider in subsequent reporting. Bleacher Report noted Fischer had tied the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat to Simons, while Marc Stein added the Dallas Mavericks as another suitor. The Bulls, who acquired Simons at the 2026 trade deadline, are also weighing whether to bring him back.
Why did the Celtics trade Simons to Chicago?
Simons spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers before Boston acquired him last July in the Jrue Holiday trade. He posted 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 49 games off the bench, shooting .440/.395/.889, but never cracked the starting lineup behind Jaylen Brown.
In February, the Celtics flipped Simons to Chicago for center Nikola Vucevic. The guard appeared in just six games for the Bulls before injury limited him down the stretch. That brief Chicago stint followed a reduced role in Boston and has kept reunion talk alive on both sides.
Could the Heat or Mavericks steal Simons from Boston?
Heavy.com reports that Fischer called a Simons move to Miami a "huge possibility" as the Heat fill out their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Miami already signed sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year, $6.5 million deal and is prioritizing floor spacing for its new frontcourt stars.
Stein, meanwhile, linked Dallas to Simons as the Mavericks look to climb the West after a 26-56 season and support 2026 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Heavy framed Simons as a younger, higher-upside alternative to Hardaway who could thrive with consistent minutes if he rediscovers his Portland scoring form.
What does Simons bring to a contender?
Simons profiles as a 6-foot-3 guard who can handle the ball and create off the dribble. He is coming off a drop year tied to limited starting minutes and a late-season injury, but Heavy notes a fresh start with consistent playing time could unlock the scorer who once averaged more than 21 points as a primary option in Portland.
For Boston, the appeal is familiar production: efficient bench scoring on a team that already saw what Simons can provide. For Miami, the fit is spacing and shot creation next to Giannis. With multiple teams in the mix and free agency now open, Simons' next contract could shape several contender rosters at once.