Celtics “At The Forefront” of Negotiations With 3-Time All-Star

Ben Simmons is still an unrestricted free agent. He’s reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams around the NBA, including the Boston Celtics. Joe Mazzulla’s roster needs some additional playmaking and rebounding after losing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis earlier this summer.

In a July 29 article from ClutchPoints, Brett Siegel noted that Boston appears to be “at the forefront” of discussions with Simmons. He did, however, note that you can’t rule out another team sweeping in to steal him away.

“Multiple teams have been mentioned as suitors for Ben Simmons,” Siegel wrote. “The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Kings have been at the forefront of those conversations in recent weeks. However, the Phoenix Suns, who were also reported as a suitor for Simmons, never expressed interest in signing him. Instead, the Suns were gunning for Marcus Smart, who elected to sign with the Lakers upon being bought out…It seems like the Celtics are at the forefront of Ben Simmons talks, but don’t count out a surprise team.”

Simmons isn’t the former All-Defense talent he once was. Lingering back issues and a loss of confidence have both negatively impacted his game. However, if Mazzulla could convince him to play as a forward, Boston would have a reliable rebounder, passer and screener.

In essence, they could ask Simmons to fill some of the void left behind by Luke Kornet, who was a non-shooting perimeter threat but became a highly important member of the rotation.

The Celtics Have an Open Roster Spot

On Thursday, July 24, the Boston Celtics waived JD Davison. The explosive guard had been with the franchise for three years, having been selected with the 53rd pick in the 2022 NBA draft. The decision to part with Davison gave the Celtics an open roster spot. Furthermore, it helped Boston get $2 million below the second luxury tax apron.

It’s that open roster spot that could allow the Celtics to sign Simmons from the free agency market. However, any deal to bring the former Philadelphia 76ers star to the TD Garden would certainly put the Celtics back into the second apron, meaning another deal would have to follow.

Simmons split his time between the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers last season. In total, he played in 51 games, averaging 5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field.

Insider Sheds Light on Why Celtics Waived Davison

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. 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.”

Simmons certainly brings his own set of problems to the table. However, he’s a proven commodity at the NBA level and could make an impact as a playmaker and defender. Boston won’t be hoping he suddenly turns the clock back. Instead, it will want him to be the best version of the player he is now. If Simmons can do that, he could be a sneakily good pickup on what would likely be a minimum deal.