Anfernee Simons Opens Up on New Role for Celtics
The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason amid their roster overhaul to save money. Simons is expected to have a new but familiar role with the Celtics.
Coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to start Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, leaving Simons to come off the bench. He had 21 points in 25 minutes as a sub in the Celtics’ 138-107 preseason win over the
In an interview with Brian Robb of MassLive.com, the 26-year-old guard shared his reaction to coming off the bench in Boston.
“I thought at first I was overthinking it. But once I got out there I got a little more comfortable. Obviously, when you’ve been starting for how many years now, you feel, like, changing the kind of routine that you’ve built the past couple of years. But I think those early years coming off the bench really helped me and kind of understanding coming off the bench and the rhythm and just the preparation to come off the bench. But it was good,” Simons said.
Simons has been a starter for the Blazers in the past three seasons. However, he was also the primary scorer off the bench early in his career in Portland, backing up
Anfernee Simons Has An Expiring Contract
The Boston Celtics had to part ways with Jrue Holiday, an important part of their 2024 championship team, to acquire Anfernee Simons. The Celtics were not interested in paying the price of being a second apron team amid the absence of
In addition to Holiday, the Celtics also traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. They even let Al Horford and Luke Kornet
The Simons trade was a savvy move since he’s on an expiring contract, as per Spotrac. He could either be a contributor for the Celtics this season or a possible trade candidate at the deadline.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported last month that Simons might be the next player to be put on the trade market since Boston has no intentions to make Payton Pritchard and
Ideal Landing Spot for Simons
The Boston Celtics can never be counted out, even without Jayson Tatum. However, teams like the Detroit Pistons are expected to be better than them next season. The Pistons could be an ideal landing spot for Anfernee Simons, especially if
“The Pistons are hoping that Jaden Ivey can fill that role as he develops, but Simons has already proven effective as an
Simons averaged 19.3 points per game last season, shooting 42.6% from the field, including 36.3% from threes. He fits the secondary scorer role in Detroit, though there could be better options out there by February.
Lakers’ Struggles Fuel Shocking LeBron Trade Odds
Is a reunion among LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in the cards?
According to oddsmakers, it’s not only possible — it’s currently the most likely outcome.
Betting site Bovada has installed the Dallas Mavericks as the favorites to land the Los Angeles Lakers superstar ahead of the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, giving Dallas -120 odds to acquire the four-time MVP.
Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns
If these odds are any indication, a LeBron-to-Dallas reunion with Irving and Davis could soon become one of the biggest NBA storylines of the year.
LeBron James Trade Rumors Gain Steam
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz fueled speculation further, calling James “the most ambitious trade target” for Dallas and outlining a potential deal structure that could actually work under the salary cap.
“If LeBron James grows tired of being a No. 2 option with the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks is an intriguing option,” Swartz wrote.
Swartz proposed a scenario where Dallas sends Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall to Los Angeles in exchange for James’ $52.6 million contract — a framework that would keep stars like Davis, Irving,
“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes. If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”
Such a move would also reunite James with Jason Kidd and Frank Vogel, the same coaching duo that helped him and the Lakers capture the 2020 NBA championship in the Orlando bubble.
James Watching Lakers Closely During Injury Rehab
James, who turns 41 in December, is currently sidelined with sciatica and expected to miss three to four weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania
While he recovers, James will reportedly be closely monitoring the Lakers’ early-season performance.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on NBA Today. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
The Lakers have opened the preseason 1-3, despite Luka Dončić dropping 25 points in 22 minutes against the Suns, while the Mavericks are 2-1.
Lakers’ Roster Uncertainty and Mavericks’ Momentum
Los Angeles made notable offseason additions — including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia — without sacrificing their lone tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032).
However, their early preseason play has done little to inspire confidence, especially with James sidelined and Dončić only recently debuting.
Meanwhile, Dallas looks rejuvenated, buoyed by the arrival of Flagg, this year’s No. 1 pick, who’s drawn comparisons to a young LeBron for his two-way skill set.
“You damn right,”
If the Mavericks were to trade for James, the Lakers legend could both mentor Flagg and reunite with Irving and Davis in what would instantly become one of the NBA’s most-watched teams.
Will LeBron Finish His Career in Dallas?
For now, James remains under contract with the Lakers, but his patience — and the team’s playoff trajectory — could define the season.
If Los Angeles falters early, and Dallas stays hot, the groundwork may already be in place for a blockbuster deal that reshapes the Western Conference.
Until then, LeBron’s message remains the same: the priority is winning — and if that means leaving Los Angeles, oddsmakers believe Dallas may be waiting with open arms.
