Moving Simons makes sense for such an end, as he is a talented young if faulted player on a large expiring deal.

Brad Stevens kicked the tires by sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade that has been tweaked since it was agreed upon, landing Anfernee Simons in return. At first, it seemed like the Celtics wanted Simons to share the court with Jaylen Brown and pick up some of the slack left by Jayson Tatum's injury.