The Boston Celtics are actively exploring trade opportunities for guards Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
On a recent episode of Bleacher Report Live, Fischer revealed that rival teams believe Boston is engaged in ongoing discussions involving both players. “As we discussed, I think the Celtics are still very active in taking trade calls—maybe even making trade calls,” Fischer said.
He added that there was dialogue between the Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies last week, though specifics of those talks remain unclear. “We’re still looking to track down more info on that,” Fischer noted during the broadcast.
Both Simons and Niang arrived in Boston just last week via separate trades. Simons, 26, came from Portland in exchange for Jrue Holiday and is entering the final season of a four-year, $100 million contract. Niang, 32, landed in Boston as part of a three-team deal that also involved Atlanta and Brooklyn.
Despite the acquisitions, Boston’s front office appears unwilling to stand pat. Fischer reported that executives across the league “are definitely still under the impression that Boston is looking for deals involving both Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang.”
Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game last season with the Trail Blazers, while Niang contributed 12.1 points per game split between Cleveland and Atlanta. Both are seen as capable offensive contributors but carry sizable contracts relative to the Celtics’ long-term salary commitments.
