Coby White trade puts immediate Anfernee Simons Celtics reunion in play

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates with forward Jalen Smith (25) against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesIf an NBA team trades a player and that team waives him, the trading team is not allowed to sign that player. So, if the Bulls were to buy out Anfernee Simons after the trade deadline, the Celtics would not be able to pick him back up.

However, if a player were to be traded a second time, then bought out, the original trading team would then be able to sign that player as a free agent. In other words, if the Bulls flip Simons again before…