Celtics Rumors: NBA Insider Provides Major Update on Potential Trades Involving Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang Ahead of Training Camp

As the Boston Celtics prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season with championship expectations, new trade rumors have emerged that could shake up the roster. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Celtics are actively exploring moves involving Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang.

Fischer’s report dropped during a recent appearance on the “No Cap Room” podcast, and it immediately sent Celtics Twitter into a frenzy. With the franchise coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance and retooling around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, any whispers of trade activity — particularly for a scoring guard like Simons or a sharpshooting veteran like Niang — are bound to generate serious buzz.

Aiming for the Next Step: Why the Celtics Might Make a Move

The Celtics are no strangers to bold midseason or offseason trades. Under President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, Boston has pulled the trigger on major roster reshuffles, most notably the 2023 blockbuster that brought in Kristaps Porziņģis. The front office has shown a willingness to sacrifice depth or draft capital in exchange for established contributors who fit their win-now window.

Despite their deep playoff run last season, the Celtics ultimately fell short against a more balanced Milwaukee Bucks squad. Scoring droughts, bench inconsistency, and lack of shooting off the bench were glaring weaknesses in critical moments — problems that players like Simons and Niang could help resolve.

The Simons Situation: A High-Scoring Backcourt Option

Anfernee Simons, 25, is one of the NBA’s most intriguing young combo guards. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with Portland while shooting nearly 38% from three-point range. Known for his quick first step, smooth shooting stroke, and ability to generate offense in isolation, Simons would immediately give Boston a scoring punch off the bench or a potential third option alongside Tatum and Brown.

However, acquiring Simons comes with financial and schematic complications. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $100 million contract — a hefty salary that would force Boston to make difficult decisions involving outgoing players or luxury tax implications.

Fischer noted that the Celtics have “expressed exploratory interest” in Simons but remain cautious about his fit and the cost.

“Boston likes Simons’ offensive skill set,” Fischer said. “But matching salaries and managing his defensive limitations in Joe Mazzulla’s scheme are real concerns.”

The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are reportedly eager to clear backcourt space for rising star Scoot Henderson and rookie Jahari Williamson. Portland has been actively shopping Simons since the trade deadline, and while they’d prefer draft capital or a young frontcourt player in return, talks with Boston haven’t yet reached an advanced stage.

Niang’s Fit: A Cheaper, Floor-Stretching Forward

Georges Niang, a 6-foot-7 stretch forward known for his deadly three-point shooting, is another name mentioned in Celtics trade circles. The 31-year-old shot 40.2% from deep last season with Cleveland and has carved out a strong reputation as a high-IQ role player who excels in pick-and-pop situations and off-ball movement.

Boston’s interest in Niang appears to be tied to maximizing spacing and unlocking more versatility within its second unit. With the departure of Sam Hauser rumored to be possible in any potential trade scenario, Niang would represent a more experienced version of that same sharpshooting archetype.

“Boston loves spacing. That’s how Joe Mazzulla runs the offense,” Fischer said. “Niang would slide right in as a rotation guy who knows his role and doesn’t need the ball to be effective.”

The Cavaliers may be open to moving Niang to reshape their bench or acquire additional defensive depth, particularly after their early playoff exit last season.

What Would It Take?

Simons’ contract makes him a more complicated acquisition. The Celtics would likely need to include salary-matching players — such as Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet — along with draft compensation to make the deal work under the cap. The inclusion of Malcolm Brogdon or Al Horford in a larger package has also been floated by insiders, though Boston would be reluctant to part with Horford’s leadership and interior defense.

In contrast, Niang’s more affordable salary ($8.5 million per year) could be absorbed with minimal disruption. A combination of Hauser and a future second-round pick might be enough to sway Cleveland, especially if the Cavs are seeking younger, cheaper contributors.

There’s also the possibility Boston tries to swing a multi-team deal — a strategy Brad Stevens has used in the past — to land both Simons and Niang while sending multiple pieces to different destinations.

What the Moves Would Mean for Boston

If the Celtics were to acquire Simons, he would likely slot in as a dynamic sixth man, backing up Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt while giving Mazzulla the option to go small and offensive-heavy when needed. Simons’ scoring prowess would help reduce the offensive burden on Tatum and Brown, especially in non-starter minutes.

Adding Niang, meanwhile, would give Boston another proven shooter and potential starter in small-ball lineups. His presence could open the floor for Tatum to operate more freely and improve the team’s offensive flow during second quarters and late-game stretches.

Both players would address glaring needs that surfaced during the Celtics’ playoff run — bench scoring, floor spacing, and offensive variety. But both also come with downsides: Simons is a below-average defender, and Niang has limited athleticism and struggles in switch-heavy defensive schemes.

Fan Reactions

Celtics fans have met the rumors with mixed reactions. Some are thrilled at the prospect of upgrading the bench with proven scorers:

“Simons would be the microwave scorer this team’s needed for years. Tatum and Brown need that support,” one fan posted on Reddit.

Others are more skeptical, particularly about Simons’ price tag and defensive liabilities:

“Great scorer, but where does he fit? We already have ball handlers. And he’s a turnstile on defense,” another fan tweeted.

The response to the Niang rumor has been more measured, with many seeing it as a low-risk, high-reward move.

“If Niang costs us a second and Hauser, I’d do that yesterday. Dude is a sniper,” a fan commented.

Brad Stevens’ Calculated Approach

Under Brad Stevens, the Celtics have prioritized fit, culture, and cap flexibility. While the team has made aggressive trades in the past, they’ve also walked away from deals that didn’t align with long-term goals. The Simons and Niang rumors suggest Stevens is still looking to fine-tune a championship-caliber roster without jeopardizing chemistry or financial structure.

An NBA source told The Athletic that Boston will likely wait until the preseason to make any major roster decisions unless an irresistible opportunity arises. The Celtics could also use early training camp performance as a final evaluation tool before committing to a trade.

“Brad’s smart — he’s not going to rush. But he’s also not going to waste the prime years of Tatum and Brown waiting around,” the source said.

With training camp approaching and the 2025-26 season looming, the Celtics are clearly in a position of strength — but not one of complacency. The reported interest in Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang shows that the front office recognizes the importance of fine-tuning the roster to address last season’s shortcomings.

Whether Brad Stevens pulls the trigger on either deal remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Celtics are still hungry, and they’re not done building. Fans can expect more trade buzz — and possibly a major shakeup — before the season tips off.