The Celtics have expressed interest in Ben Simmons and have held talks with the 76ers about the available star, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Charania described the talks as being in the early stages with no traction yet. He did add that any Celtics trade for Simmons would likely have to include Boston guard/forward Jaylen Brown.
Multiple sources have told Hoops Wire they suspect any trade centered on Simmons will involve multiple teams and players, as opposed to being just a straight-up trade.
As for the Celtics specifically, new head of basketball operations Brad Stevens has said the current roster may not be a finished product.
“We’re going to find out,” Stevens told Michael Holley of NBC Sports Boston. “Last year, we were 8-3 to start the year and it didn’t feel like 8-3 from my perspective, from the (coaching) seat I was in. I felt like we had a lot of things we had to account for and we had to be a lot better in, and then we got hit with other stuff.”
Simmons, 25, is seeking a trade and the Sixers have been exploring the idea of moving him since the end of last season.
Right now, the 76ers’ asking price for Simmons remains high — with director of basketball operations Daryl Morey reportedly seeking players who can help the team stay in “win-now” mode, while also seeking future assets.
The belief around the NBA is that Morey may find a deal more to his liking around Dec. 15, when players who signed offseason deals become eligible to be traded.
Simmons has yet to play a game after reporting to camp late and reportedly telling Morey he is not mentally ready to take the court.
“Charania’s latest report includes a number of other details on the standoff between Simmons and the Sixers, including the fact that the 25-year-old has provided the team with the names of his mental health professionals, but hasn’t shared any details on his treatment beyond that,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “Simmons has turned down the resources and professionals Philadelphia has offered, and the club has been frustrated by the lack of information he has provided about his status.”
Along with the Celtics, the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs are some of the teams more recently linked to Simmons.
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