Celtics' Direction With Anfernee Simons to be Decided in January

The Boston Celtics do not have a pulse yet on what they're doing with Anfernee Simons at the NBA trade deadline | David Dermer-Imagn Images

Fresh off being the Boston Celtics' leading bench scorer in a spectacular 103-95 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, Anfernee Simons is simultaneously on the trade block and a candidate to remain with the team through the February 5 NBA trade deadline.

The Stein Line's Jake Fischer reported that the Celtics “could very well elect to keep Simons” but also that Brad Stevens is actively hunting for a deal to lower the tax bill, just as he has since the moment he landed Simons for Jrue Holiday in June.

“I do suspect, though, that if Boston could somehow move Simons for a rotational upgrade and lower their tax bill in the process — or get out of that penalty zone all together — that would check all of the boxes Brad Stevens’ front office could conjure up,” Fischer said.

Anfernee Simons' Fate Will Be Decided in January

These Celtics are living on borrowed time, and they know it. Several are on expiring contracts, including Simons. What separates Simons is that he's the least likely to remain in Boston next year because of the likely free agent cost.

Simons isn't a Joe Mazzulla-type player, likely only getting minutes as a mandate from upper management to showcase him before leaving. If his one-dimension scoring, can help them win games, though, he'll stick around for the stretch run.

While Boston won that game without Simons scoring one of his 11 points in the final frame, one they outscored Indiana 29-13, it's undeniable that his nine-point third quarter set the stage for the comeback. Simons stretches the floor and creates his own shots, complementing the yeoman's service performed by Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, and Hugo Gonzalez. Simons has a unique role as a designated scorer, and he's someone the team can rely on if Derrick White or Payton Pritchard miss any time.

Again, nothing is decided until January. If Simons proves indispensable to the team's winning, he will stay. If there isn't much winning, and the Celtics fade from the playoff picture by the deadline, Simons will be a cap casualty in a business move to lower the tax bill.