NBA Rumor Roundup: Celtics’ Trade Priorities, Timberwolves’ Untouchables, Knicks’ Draft Asset in Play
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The Boston Celtics have told other clubs they have no intention of attaching a first-round pick to guard Anfernee Simons’ expiring $27.7 million contract solely to shed salary, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Boston would consider packaging Simons and draft capital only for a clear roster upgrade, not a move aimed at trimming its luxury-tax bill.
Earlier this season, the Chicago Bulls asked about a deal that would have sent center Nikola Vucevic to Boston for Simons and a first-round selection, but the Celtics declined. Boston also explored sending Simons, a first-rounder and a pick swap to the Los Angeles Clippers for center Ivica Zubac and additional salary, but talks stalled; Los Angeles has won 16 of its last 19 games and is not shopping Zubac.
While the Celtics remain open to fortifying their frontcourt, they are also weighing the possibility of moving depth pieces. With Neemias Queta starting and Luka Garza backing him up, veterans Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman are viewed as potential trade candidates. League sources say the Hawks, 76ers and Suns have made preliminary inquiries about Boucher.
Timberwolves Fielding Calls but Standing Pat
Rival teams have reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo. Minnesota values all three highly; McDaniels is considered nearly untouchable, and the club would discuss Reid or DiVincenzo only if an All-Star-level player were involved.
Knicks, Spurs and Other Notes
The San Antonio Spurs were approached about a potential swap of Jeremy Sochan for Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet, but declined due to Yabusele’s $5.8 million player option for next season.
As New York assesses trade options, the Knicks are willing to include the Wizards’ top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick. That selection is unlikely to convey and would instead become Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-rounders, assets still viewed as valuable because of the Wizards’ rebuilding timeline.
Looking ahead to free agency, several team executives believe Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu could command a deal at or above the full mid-level exception when he becomes unrestricted.
Source: HoopsRumors
