Celtics Trade Pitch Lands Versatile Forwards From West Team

The Boston Celtics are navigating an offseason filled with roster questions, financial maneuvering, and injury uncertainty. With Jayson Tatum recovering and the luxury tax looming large, the front office is facing decisions it hasn’t had to make in years.

One name that could be on the move before even suiting up in green? Recently acquired Anfernee Simons.

According to Brian Robb of MassLive, Simons’ time in Boston could be short-lived. “If getting under the luxury tax line ends up being a priority, Simons is a likely piece to go,” Robb wrote.

If cost-cutting is the goal, the Memphis Grizzlies might make an ideal trade partner.

Clarke Emerges as Logical Target

A potential trade target for Simons — if Boston were to send him to Memphis — would be Brandon Clarke. The idea came up on “First to The Floor: A Boston Celtics Podcast,” where the hosts debated whether Clarke would be worth giving up future draft capital.

When asked if they’d move a 2027 first-round pick for Clarke, the responses were mixed. “No, he’s not good enough to me,” host Jake Issenberg said. He later added, “I don’t like the idea of sending out firsts right now just because there’s so much influx.”

Clarke would help the Celtics duck under the luxury tax threshold while providing “legitimate NBA production for the next four years” — but the cost, especially in draft picks, could be the sticking point.

The Three-Player Framework

A straight swap of Simons for Clarke doesn’t work financially. But Issenberg’s earlier proposal on CelticsBlog offered a bigger, more balanced idea:

Celtics receive: Brandon Clarke, Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar
Grizzlies receive: Anfernee Simons

The benefits for Boston are clear. They’d gain smaller, movable contracts, which could then be flipped for even more savings. They’d also bank $6.7 million in immediate salary relief. The catch? They’d still need to waive someone to make roster space.

Clarke would give the Celtics an athletic frontcourt option. Meanwhile, Konchar adds a reliable shooting presence. And Williams Jr. — a promising 24-year-old wing — could be the hidden gem of the deal.

From Memphis’ side, they’d be acquiring a high-scoring guard to help fill the void left by Desmond Bane’s departure to the Orlando Magic.

Should Celtics Pull the Trigger?

Adding Clarke, Williams Jr., and Konchar checks a lot of boxes for Boston’s depth and financial flexibility. But in a season where Tatum’s injury creates so much uncertainty, giving up future first-round picks is a gamble.

Clarke’s injury history only adds another wrinkle to the decision-making process. In a transitional period like this, Brad Stevens and the Celtics may be better served keeping their powder dry — and their draft assets intact.