The Bucks’ trade proposal brings Anfernee Simmons from the Celtics

After Jayson Tatum tore his Achillesthe Boston Celtics decided to use this year as a time to control their finances. They still plan to compete long-term, but ahead of this back-to-back year, the team has traded away some of its more expensive players. Kristaps Porzingis is dividedas well as Jrue Holiday. The latter was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that brought in Anfernee Simmons.

The point guard has been solid for Boston, but it has long been expected that the Celtics could trade him and his expiring contract for capital that can help next year and beyond. One team with reported interest are the Milwaukee Bucks, and they you might want to to move Kyle Kuzma. So is a Simmons-for-Kuzma trade feasible?

Bucks trade proposal for Anfernee Simmons

The Bucks receive: Anfernee Simmons

The Celtics get: Kyle Kuzma, 2026 second-round pick (via Utah, protected 31-55)

The one-for-one trade in the NBA is rare. The Bucks have next to nothing in the way of draft capital or contracts to trade for Simmons. Therefore, this proposed trade only involves Kuzma and a second-round pick that he is unlikely to carry. For the Celtics, Kuzma has one year left on his contract after this one.

Unlike Simmons, Kuzma could contribute to a championship next season without needing a new contract. Kuzma is a champion in his own right from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also comes at a discount this season to Simmons. Boston could save $5.3 million against the cap and get under the first tax apron.

Financial incentives have driven the Celtics’ roster throughout the season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they want to get under the first apron. While Kuzma has his flaws and is a polarizing player, there are legitimate positives to his game. Kuzma has 417 career starts. He can score at least moderately from all three levels and even has two 20-plus point-per-game seasons to his name.

Questionable shot selection and consistent defense have also marked Kuzma, but he could be a solid player for the Celtics, either as a bench player or in the starting lineup. He would benefit the team even this year, as the scoring situation is terrible with Tatum injured.

Would the Bucks trade for Anfernee Simmons?

Although Simmons’ numbers have dipped this year, he has recently started to elevate his game. He is just one season away from averaging 19.3 points per game. Simmons is also 26 years old, which compares favorably to Kuzma’s 30s. If the Bucks traded for him and liked what they saw, he’s young enough that they could be confident giving him a long-term deal.

If not, then Milwaukee could let him go in free agency after the season without giving up significant draft capital. Simmons is also a better outside shooter compared to Kuzma. On a roster that has a top slasher in Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s smart to stock up on 3-point snipers.

The Eastern Conference is wide open with Tatum and Tyrese Halliburton is out for the year. The Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat lead the conference and no one would have expected that to come in the season. Now is the time to be aggressive to win a championship, so if the Bucks think Simmons would improve the roster, they should be comfortable trading Kuzma for him.