Story by
Celtics explored trade for big man using Anfernee Simons salary
- Story by
- Celtics explored trade for big man using Anfernee Simons salary
The Celtics have been linked to multiple big men on the trade market, so it's no surprise they tried to deal for a starter. Clippers big Ivica Zubac is an intriguing name and the C's reportedly tried to trade for him.
According to HoopHype's Michael Scotto , the Celtics approached the Clippers for an "exploratory framework" to land Zubac,. The trade package would've included C's guard Anfernee Simons , a first-round pick and a future first-round pick swap. The package, though, "didn't gain any traction."
Advertisement
Notably, Scotto reports the Celtics tried to go for the trade amid the Clippers' 6-21 start to the season. Los Angeles has had a stunning turnaround since then, going 16-3. The Clippers are 22-24, making it unlikely they would part with Zubac.
There's a lot to like about Zubac in Boston . He's 28 years old, fitting the team from a timeline perspective with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown . Zubac is a proven big man and is also on a team-friendly contract. He makes an $18.1 million salary this year and is signed through the 2027-28 season.
Simons looked like a likely trade candidate coming into the season. But he's been a solid sixth man for the Celtics, playing solid basketball of late. He's still on an expiring $27.7 million contract, so it remains to be seen if the C's move him at the deadline.
It sounded like the Celtics might have to attach a first-round pick to get off Simons' deal, but his recent play has likely helped Boston's negotiating power on that front. Simons is averaging 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the C's coming off the bench.
Advertisement
The Celtics have been linked to multiple big men on the market. While they could trade for a starter, it's more likely they bring in a backup to round out the roster. Neemias Queta has been a capable starter, and Luka Garza 's recent play has been a plus.
More Celtics content
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
