Celtics Rumors: NBA Insider Provides Major Update on Potential Trades Involving Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang Ahead of Training Camp
By Devin Harrington | July 28, 2025
With training camp just weeks away, the Boston Celtics—fresh off their 18th championship banner—are once again at the center of trade speculation. According to a new report from NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Boston is “actively exploring” deals to tweak its second unit, with Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang emerging as top trade targets.
🔄 Reloading, Not Rebuilding
After losing several depth pieces in free agency and with Malcolm Brogdon officially signed away by the Bucks, Celtics President of Basketball Ops Brad Stevens is seeking cost-controlled, high-upside players to bolster Boston’s bench without compromising its elite starting five.
“Boston isn’t looking for a shake-up,” Fischer wrote. “They’re looking for polish. Simons and Niang are two names that keep coming up in internal discussions. One offers instant scoring; the other, veteran spacing.”
🎯 Anfernee Simons: Sixth Man Scoring Machine
Simons, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, is reportedly “intriguing” to the Celtics front office due to his ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor. At just 26, Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.1 assists in 2024–25, though Portland’s rebuilding status has made him increasingly expendable.
Sources close to the situation say Boston has floated a package involving Payton Pritchard, multiple second-round picks, and rookie forward Anton Watson, hoping to capitalize on Portland’s desire for flexibility and youth.
“Simons would instantly become Boston’s sixth man,” Celtics insider Chris Forsberg said on NBC Sports Boston. “He gives them a microwave scorer behind Jrue [Holiday] and Derrick [White], something they’ll need in a long postseason grind.”
🧱 Georges Niang: The Glue Guy With Range
Meanwhile, Georges Niang—a sharpshooting forward currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers—is being monitored as a lower-cost option. The 6’7” veteran shot 40.2% from three last season and is viewed as a perfect fit alongside Kristaps Porziņģis in five-out offensive sets.
While Niang isn’t a star, he’s widely respected for his locker room presence, physical toughness, and catch-and-shoot reliability. With Sam Hauser expected to take on a larger role, Boston sees Niang as insurance—and possibly a better defender.
Niang is reportedly available for a minimum-contract player plus a protected 2026 second-round pick.
⏳ Time Is Ticking
With training camp opening on September 28, Stevens is expected to make a move within the next three weeks. The Celtics want all newcomers integrated before the preseason begins, especially with an overseas exhibition schedule in Madrid looming.
Despite having one of the league’s deepest rotations, the Celtics are wary of fatigue after last year’s 106-game championship run. Adding Simons or Niang would allow Joe Mazzulla to rest his core players more aggressively during the season—something Boston failed to do effectively in past years.
📈 Championship Windows Don’t Stay Open Forever
As Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown enter their prime, the Celtics know they must keep refining—not just riding—the wave. Simons could electrify the bench. Niang could fortify it.
Either way, don’t expect Boston to sit still.
Because in this era of title or bust, even champions need to retool.
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