Anfernee Simons Breaks Silence After Celtics Trade
Anfernee Simons has sent a goodbye message to Boston Celtics fans via Instagram. The Celtics traded him to the Chicago Bulls as part of the deal that landed Nikola Vucevic with the Boston Celtics. The trade became official on Thursday, Feb. 5.
“Boston!!!” Simons wrote in an Instagram story. “It was a pleasure and an honor to wear that green! Forever in my heart.”
Simons joined the Celtics this past summer as part of the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was widely viewed as a trade chip due to his expiring contract and ability to put up points in bunches.
As the season wore on, Simons began to establish himself as a key component of Joe Mazzulla’s second unit. In turn, he became somewhat of a fan favorite. His ability to provide a spark off the bench was key in multiple wins this season.
Simons played in 50 games for the Celtics. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 44.3% from the field and 39.8% from 3-point range.
By trading Simons, the Celtics filled a position of need, adding Vucevic to provide depth and competition at the center position. Yet, in turn, the guard rotation became weaker. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are the only senior guards currently on the roster.
Boston has three open roster spots after another round of cost-cutting trades on Thursday. Brad Stevens is likely to address the lack of guard depth in the coming weeks. However, whoever the Celtics add will have some big shoes to fill, considering how impactful and successful Simons’ short tenure with the franchise was.
