Insider Explains Why Celtics Waived JD Davison

On Thursday, July 24, the Boston Celtics waived JD Davison, just months after he was crowned the 2025 G League MVP. Davison had recently signed a full-scale NBA deal with the Celtics.

By waiving the Alabama product, Boston has ducked back under the second luxury tax apron. It’s also opened up a valuable roster spot in the process. As a first luxury tax apron team, the Celtics can now aggregate salaries in a deal and have the roster flexibility to do so.

However, Davison’s release was likely more to do with basketball reasons than business ones. In a recent mailbag for MassLive, Celtics insider Brian Robb shared his thoughts on why the former second-round pick is now a free agent.

“JD was in the system for three years so the team had a very long look at him,” Robb wrote. “Did not get many opportunities at NBA level but never looked like a guy who deserved more minutes in those spots. Ultimately, he’s a late second-round pick, so he was always going to be a long shot to make it in the NBA. Possible it could still happen elsewhere but his shooting/size/defense never rose to NBA level here.”

Davison found himself in a tough spot. He proved he was too good for the G League. However, he’s still a step or two below the required level of the NBA. In order to improve, he must find a team that can give him a consistent role off the bench. Boston couldn’t offer him that.

Three Celtics Players on the Trade Block

In a recent article for The Ringer, Michael Pina named three members of Boston’s rotation that could potentially be on the move between now and the trade deadline.

“Boston is still in the second apron and about $20 million over the luxury tax. But, regardless of what Brad Stevens has said, it would be a true stunner if it didn’t shed more money during the season to dodge repeater tax penalties,” Pina wrote. “The likely casualties are Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, but no one should be shocked if/when Sam Hauser gets traded.”

The Celtics do not appear to be done making moves this summer. The roster, as currently constructed, lacks frontcourt depth. Furthermore, there’s an imbalance of scoring talent. Joe Mazzulla will crave more defensive upside from his team, ideally in the form or two-way production.

Celtics Not Against Retaining Simons

Anfernee Simons joined the Celtics as part of the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, his high salary and limited defense have led to rumors that he will be rerouted. Nevertheless, there’s still a chance that Boston moves forward with Simons, even though he’s on an expiring contract.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, reported on Boston’s happiness to proceed with the guard on July 21.

“It is worth noting that the Celtics do like Simons and believe he could emerge as a key contributor in the backcourt when Tatum and Brown are at full strength,” Siegel reported. “Although the team has explored possible ways to flip him for other assets this offseason, Boston is fully confident in Simons’ abilities should he remain on the roster, sources said.”

Simons could be a valuable score-first addition. He would be capable of operating as a starter or coming off the bench. Furthermore, competitors like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White could hold him accountable on defense. There’s a fair chance that we see him take some developmental steps with the Celtics.

Of course, if possible, Boston would probably prefer to trade him by the trade deadline.