According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Boston Celtics have made significant strides in reducing their overall payroll and luxury tax since the beginning of this offseason.

June 15th, Boston was hovering around a projection of $540 million. August 5th, Boston is now around $239 million. That’s a total of $301 million they’ve been able to eliminate.

To be able to get a huge chunk of their payroll shedded, the Celtics traded away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. In addition to the two trades, fans also saw the Celtics part ways with Luke Kornet and Al Horford.

Rumor has it that they are looking to trade Anfernee Simons, if it means getting a good deal in return and being able to reduce their payroll even more.

The 2024 NBA champions are looking to reassembling this team through the draft and around Jayson Tatum for when he returns from his Achilles tear.

According to Marc Stein, the Boston Celtics continue to seek out potential trade options involving Anfernee Simons – a player they traded for a month ago when dealing out Jrue Holiday.

Simons is currently on an expiring contract worth $27.7 million. Boston wants to continue to shed off cap space to get under the luxury tax, which they are still $20 million over the bill.

The long-term strategy here is get under the luxury tax while Jayson Tatum is rehabbing his Achilles injury so that they have more flexibility for 2027 and beyond.

Despite wanting to shed money, they want to retain Sam Hauser, who is on a four-year deal worth $45 million. Boston’s front office is only focusing on Simons, especially after trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday.

Right now, it is unclear the level of interest teams have for the talented guard. It’s expected this will be an on-going situation throughout the offseason.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Al Horford is currently weighing all his options for his future in the National Basketball Association.

Right now, the veteran is picking him playing with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and retirement. Currently, the Warriors are the favored team to land Horford.

“I’m told he is reviewing multiple options including the Warriors, the Lakers, but also retirement,” said Shams Charania on a Thursday afternoon Sports Center appearance. “He is 39 years old. He just finished season 18. I’m told it would be a surprise if he makes a final decision by this weekend. He certainly has earned the right to make a decision at his own time.

“I will say though the Warriors are hopeful of where they stand in all this if Al Horford decides to play again.”

The 39-year-old has been described as a solid fit for Golden State, as he would boost their perimeter shooting and defense.

Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.