The Boston Celtics made a big decision to move on from veteran Jrue Holiday by trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons. Despite that, NBA legend Dwyane Wade was highly positive towards the team’s decision to acquire the young guard.
The Celtics traded Holiday to the Trail Blazers for Simons and two second-round picks. This means the two-time NBA champion departs Boston after two seasons, but left a strong impact as he helped the organization achieve the most important goal by winning the 2024 title.
Wade reacted to the trade during an episode of The Wy Network podcast on June 29. While he understands the loss Boston takes by trading away Holiday, he had high remarks to share about Simons.
“What I love about the Celtics is getting this young guy who could fill it up. Anfernee [Simons] can fill it up… he has a lot of Dame [Damian Lillard] in him,” Wade said.
“What I love about the Celtics is getting this young guy who could fill it up. Anfernee [Simons] can fill it up… he has a lot of Dame [Damian Lillard] in him.”
Dwyane Wade LOVES the Simons trade for the Boston Celtics 🙏🏽
(via @wynetwork)
pic.twitter.com/N37mohWTAQ— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 29, 2025
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What’s Next For Anfernee Simons, Celtics
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 23: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the Moda Center on March 23, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
It is certainly a bold take for Dwyane Wade to make about Anfernee Simons. But if his Damian Lillard comparison is accurate, then the Celtics might have landed a remarkable talent in their backcourt.
Simons’ time with the Trail Blazers ends after seven seasons, making his way up the ranks as one of the league’s intriguing guards. He averaged 15 points, 3.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game after 389 total appearances. He shot 43.1% from the field, including 38.1% from beyond the arc, and 88% from the free-throw line.
Simons’ scoring did take a dip this past season. After putting up 21.1 points and a career-high 22.6 points in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, his production went down to 19.3 points. He remained active with his playmaking, creating 4.8 assists for his teammates.
As Wade mentioned, Simons does share a similarity to Lillard with his 3-point shooting. For the last four seasons, Simons has knocked down at least three triples per game, proving himself to be one of the best perimeter shooters in the league.
This happens to be a great for the Celtics, who use the 3-point shot at a high volume. They ranked the highest in the NBA for the last three seasons, understanding how effective that area is when the right players are taking those shots.
Which is where Simons can enter the equation without needing to make significant adjustments. However, Boston is retooling its roster significantly after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
They also have offseason needs to address with Al Horford and Luke Kornet being free agents. Star forward Jayson Tatum is rehabbing a torn Achilles he suffered in the playoffs. Not only that, but Jaylen Brown is recovering from his knee surgery as well.
Boston won’t be at full strength to start the 2025-26 season. However, that opens up a great opportunity for Simons to shine in the team’s offense. Maybe he can end up being the Celtics’ version of Lillard.
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