The Boston Celtics Are Reportedly Interested in Ben Simmons—And Surprisingly, the Move Might Make Perfect Basketball Sense for Both Sides.
The Boston Celtics are no strangers to making bold moves. Under the leadership of Brad Stevens in the front office and Joe Mazzulla on the bench, they’ve consistently pursued high-IQ basketball minds and versatile two-way players. So, when reports surfaced recently that the Celtics were interested in acquiring Ben Simmons, the initial reaction across the basketball world was one of skepticism, if not outright confusion. Simmons, once considered one of the league’s most promising young stars, has seen his stock plummet in recent years due to a combination of injuries, offensive stagnation, and mental hurdles. But if you look closer—beyond the noise and narrative—the Celtics’ potential interest in Ben Simmons isn’t just understandable. It might actually make perfect sense.
At his best, Ben Simmons is a 6-foot-10 point-forward with elite defensive instincts, the vision of a seasoned playmaker, and the physical tools to impact the game in a variety of ways. He was an All-Star by age 22, and when healthy and engaged, he’s one of the most dynamic defenders in the NBA. He can guard all five positions and excels at pushing the pace, finding shooters in transition, and wreaking havoc on defense. For a Celtics team that’s always valued defensive versatility and smart decision-making, Simmons—at least conceptually—fits their mold.
The question, of course, is whether that version of Simmons still exists. After a disastrous playoff meltdown with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021, where he famously passed up a wide-open dunk in favor of a kick-out to Matisse Thybulle, Simmons became a symbol of wasted potential. The fallout was ugly. He sat out the beginning of the next season citing mental health issues, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and struggled with a variety of back and knee issues. The once-electrifying Simmons became a shadow of himself. His minutes decreased, his scoring dropped to career lows, and he appeared in just 15 games during the 2023-24 season.
Despite all that, the Celtics’ reported interest in Simmons suggests they see something others might not—or are at least willing to gamble on his upside. Boston has built its core around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two of the league’s best two-way wings. Last season, the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis added a new dimension to their offense, giving them a stretch big who could protect the rim and space the floor. Jrue Holiday’s acquisition brought championship poise and elite perimeter defense. But as good as the Celtics have been, there’s always been a lingering question about playmaking and facilitating. While Tatum and Brown have improved as passers, the Celtics don’t have a traditional table-setter—someone whose primary skill is getting others involved.
This is where Simmons could theoretically shine. Even if his scoring never returns to All-Star levels, Simmons remains a gifted passer and transition initiator. Pairing him with a group of elite scorers and shooters would relieve pressure from his need to create in the halfcourt, where he’s struggled. In a role similar to what Draymond Green does for the Golden State Warriors—defend multiple positions, push the pace, facilitate from the top of the key—Simmons could thrive without being expected to score 15–20 points per night. On a team like the Celtics, that could be the perfect scenario.
Then there’s the matter of defense. Boston has consistently been among the top defensive teams in the league, but adding a healthy Simmons would only enhance that identity. Imagine a closing lineup of Simmons, Holiday, Brown, Tatum, and Porziņģis. That group has size, speed, switchability, and defensive IQ across the board. Simmons’ ability to take on the toughest perimeter assignments could lighten the load on Holiday and Brown, giving them more energy to spend on the offensive end. He would also offer insurance if injuries or foul trouble affect the backcourt, especially considering the wear-and-tear Holiday has accumulated over the years.
Financially, acquiring Simmons wouldn’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. He’s in the final year of his current deal, set to earn around \$40 million. For Boston, it would likely mean parting with multiple contracts and possibly draft capital. But with the new NBA collective bargaining agreement emphasizing penalties for high-spending teams, taking on a large expiring deal like Simmons’ could actually be strategic. It offers short-term upside without long-term financial commitment. If he pans out, they can re-sign him on a cheaper, team-friendly deal. If not, they let him walk and clear cap space.
There’s also a locker room element to consider. Simmons, for all his faults, has never been described as a disruptive teammate. In fact, many former teammates speak highly of him. On a veteran-laden roster with strong personalities like Al Horford, Holiday, and Derrick White, Simmons wouldn’t be asked to lead—just to buy in. And with the Celtics culture being one of accountability and professionalism, there’s reason to believe Simmons might respond positively to that structure. Being in a stable environment, away from the drama and scrutiny of Philly and Brooklyn, could be just what he needs to rediscover his joy in the game.
It’s also important to note that Boston has had success with reclamation projects in the past. Look at the way they helped turn Derrick White into one of the league’s most efficient guards, or how Al Horford found new life in his second Celtics stint. The Celtics’ player development staff is strong, and their system is built to maximize role players who know how to contribute within a team concept. Simmons wouldn’t be a savior—he’d just be another piece of an already loaded roster.
Simmons’ mental health journey also deserves empathy, not just analysis. For athletes, especially high-profile ones, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Simmons openly acknowledged his struggles, and while that became a talking point for critics, it also shows maturity and self-awareness. If he’s in a better headspace now—and if the Celtics believe he is—that might be the most important factor of all. A confident, healthy Simmons can still be a game-changer.
Of course, there are risks. Simmons’ back issues are legitimate. His lack of shooting remains a glaring hole. Opponents will still sag off him, daring him to shoot. In late-game scenarios, free-throw woes could force him off the floor. These are real concerns, and Boston must weigh them carefully. But for a team looking to stay ahead of the curve, sometimes the best moves are the ones nobody sees coming. Simmons, at 28, still has time to rewrite his story. If he’s willing to embrace a new role, accept his limitations, and focus on what he does well, there’s no reason he couldn’t be a valuable contributor on a championship contender.
In the end, basketball is about fit as much as talent. Not every great player works in every system. Simmons’ skill set may not be ideal for every team—but for the Celtics, who already have scoring, leadership, and a clearly defined identity, he might be exactly what they need. A playmaking connector. A defensive disruptor. A low-usage, high-impact utility man who can plug holes and elevate others.
It’s easy to scoff at the idea of Ben Simmons in Boston. The memes, the jokes, the skepticism—they’ve all followed him for years. But beneath that, there’s still a 6-foot-10 athlete with elite feel for the game and a résumé most players would envy. Maybe the Celtics see what others don’t. Maybe they believe in redemption, in untapped potential, in second chances.
If they’re right, and if Simmons is willing to meet the moment, this unlikely partnership could become one of the great comeback stories in recent NBA history. And if not, it’s still a calculated risk that makes more basketball sense than it does tabloid fodder.
Sometimes, the moves that raise the most eyebrows end up being the smartest ones. The Celtics’ reported interest in Ben Simmons could be exactly that.
