Ben Simmons Would Be Interested In Playing For Celtics

76ers guard/forward Ben Simmons would be OK with a trade to the Celtics if it comes to that, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.

Boston is reportedly among the 10 known teams with an interest in Simmons. That said, recent reports suggest Celtics head of basketball operations Brad Stevens would not want to part with guard/forward Jaylen Brown in a Simmons deal.

But as is often the case in trade talks and rumors, it’s hard to know what’s real until the day a deal goes down.

“And while Stevens has shown a willingness to take chances in his brief tenure as team president, he is understandably going to walk back these rumors and refute them immediately,” Washburn wrote.

Along with the Celtics, the Cavaliers, Kings, Pistons, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Raptors, Timberwolves, Spurs and Rockets are among the known teams still engaged on a potential Simmons trade.

Simmons, 25, has yet to appear in a game this season and has barely practiced with the team. He reportedly has told 76ers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey he’s not yet mentally ready to play in games.

Perhaps the NBA’s best perimeter defender, Simmons’ lack of a perimeter shot is what is making rival teams hesitant to mortgage the farm in a deal. 

Multiple league sources have told Hoops Wire they believe Simmons is more likely to be traded in a multi-team and player package, as opposed to a straight-up trade between two teams. All, however, believe he will be moved before the February trade deadline.

“There’s belief among rival executives and league personnel that Simmons could even remain on the Sixers roster past the trade deadline,” Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote. “Morey’s asking price remains higher than any rival front office has been willing to match.”

Morey, by an large, appears to be holding out hope for a king’s ransom — and may be able to land the best possible deal on or after Dec. 15.

That is the day when players who signed offseason contracts are eligible to be traded. It also gives teams enough time to assess their current rosters and direction before making moves.