Boston Celtics Rumors: Instant reactions to Ben Simmons trade interest

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Drama has been a key factor for the Boston Celtics amidst their sluggish 4-6 start to the 2021-22 NBA season.

There was reportedly a players-only meeting conducted after Marcus Smart had a few choice words to say about both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown regarding their style of play.

A different key storyline has centered around head coach Ime Udoka, who many have expressed concern with early on due to some coaching blunders.

Well, the Celtics found themselves in the news once again Monday morning, this time regarding a trade rumor for a disgruntled star. As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), Boston has engaged in trade conversations with the Philadelphia 76ers for star guard Ben Simmons, although no deal has gained any traction yet.

Simmons has expressed his desire to be traded from Philadelphia over the past few months, but the team has not found a package they like enough to finally grant his wish. Would Boston be a reasonable team to help him out and trade for him? Any hypothetical deal has no shortage of question marks.

The appeal with Simmons is front and center. A Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive honoree, and All-NBA selection at just 25-years-old. The guard has just scratched the surface of his potential.

Of course, Simmons has his share of flaws due to his unwillingness to shoot the basketball, but he is still a solid player whose best playing days are ahead of him. The guard needs a fresh start, and Boston would be a new environment for him to start over and look to get his career back on track.

Should the Boston Celtics make a trade for All-Star guard Ben Simmons?

The biggest problem with the Celtics making a trade for Simmons is the package. As noted by Charania, Boston would have to include Brown in any deal, which would certainly be a tough sell.

Following his breakthrough campaign last year that saw him earn his first All-Star nod, Brown is having yet another sensational season, averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game so far this season.

Trading away Brown, who is seemingly on a trajectory to superstardom, for a player that is surrounded by question marks like Simmons would undeniably cause justifiable controversy.

If the Celtics were to make a deal for Simmons, it would bring in yet another household name at the point guard position, where they have struggled to find much stability over the past few years. Point guards to play for Boston over the past few seasons include Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker. None of them have quite panned out, and Simmons would be the next in line.

Right now, they are splitting the floor general duties between Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder, both of whom are struggling to some extent to start the year. Simmons would be an upgrade due to his elite-level defense and prolific playmaking, but his lack of spacing and hesitancy on offense would also raise some red flags for the Boston Celtics.

Ultimately, Boston is likely just doing their due diligence. Trading a franchise cornerstone in Brown for a player like Simmons would be a head-scratching decision, although the team does need to do something to give this group some life.

If they could make this work without including Brown, then it would be far more reasonable, but these trade talks are never likely going to get off the ground. Keep an eye on the Celtics, as this is probably not the only rumor they will be mentioned in as the new season progresses.