The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers made some noise today after a report suggested they were engaged in trade talks regarding Ben Simmons. The disgruntled point guard has tried to force his way out of Philadelphia since the end of the 2020/21 NBA season, but the team wouldn’t grant his wish.
Unless they get a big package in return, it’s unlikely we’ll see the Sixers shipping Simmons away. That’s when the Celtics appeared and reportedly started talking with the 76ers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the C’s would be interested in Simmons, but the Sixers would like to get Jaylen Brown in return for the Australian playmaker.
The Boston Celtics have engaged in conversations with the 76ers revolving around Simmons and expressed interest in the 6-foot-11 guard, sources tell The Athletic. Talks have been fluid with no traction as of yet, those sources say. Any potential Simmons deal with the Celtics would have to include All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, an ascending talent who is in the midst of another career season, averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
This report didn’t sit well with several people around the league. Boston Celtics fans didn’t like the idea of getting Simmons for Brown, who is playing great basketball this season. Sports analysts and Celtics fan Bill Simmons went to troll the report, imagining a fictional conversation between Brad Stevens and Daryl Morey to make this trade a reality.
“Hey, Daryl, it’s Brad.”
“Hey.”
“What’s going on with that guy who quit on your team and now does the bare minimum and completely torpedoed his trade value? Any interest in discussing a deal?”
“We’d want Jaylen Brown.”
“OK, I’m hanging up. Have a great rest of the day!”
“Hey, Daryl, it’s Brad.”
“Hey.”
“What’s going on with that guy who quit on your team and now does the bare minimum and completely torpedoed his trade value? Any interest in discussing a deal?”
“We’d want Jaylen Brown.”
“OK, I’m hanging up. Have a great rest of the day!”
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 8, 2021
Obviously, a lot of people believe this is ridiculous since Brown is one of the key pieces for the Celtics’ future. However, this is the NBA and we’ve seen crazier things happen before.
Still, Brown is one of the most beloved players on the roster, as he’s the future of this franchise alongside Jayson Tatum. Landing Simmons would be good for them if they don’t get rid of Brown, but that won’t happen given the Sixers’ asking price for the 25-year-old.
Time will tell if Simmons returns to the Sixers or gets traded before, but the Celtics don’t look like a serious candidate to acquire his services right now.
