The Boston Celtics are entering a new and uncertain era in franchise history, one that may not include Jayson Tatum as the centerpiece. While the departure or possible long-term absence of their superstar forward would leave a gaping hole in both production and leadership, the Celtics’ front office seems committed to retooling rather than rebuilding. In an unexpected twist, league sources have indicated that Boston is eyeing Ben Simmons as a potential X-factor in this transition. Once a Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, Simmons’ fall from grace has been one of the most dramatic in recent NBA memory. Yet, the Celtics are intrigued by what he could bring to the table, particularly on the defensive end, and they are betting that redemption—fueled by low expectations and a change of scenery—can spark something special.
The idea of bringing in Ben Simmons is not one born from desperation but from strategic vision. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has always been a proponent of positional versatility, defensive switchability, and high basketball IQ. Simmons, even in his diminished form, still possesses all three of those traits. Though his offensive game has regressed and his confidence visibly shaken in recent years, his 6-foot-10 frame, elite passing instincts, and defensive acumen remain largely intact. Boston isn’t looking at Simmons to be the savior or even a scorer. They want him to be a connector—a glue guy capable of facilitating offensive flow while anchoring the defense.
This potential acquisition is particularly timely given the Celtics’ evolving roster needs. With Tatum possibly sidelined for a significant stretch or even traded in a blockbuster move to recalibrate the team’s long-term trajectory, Boston must adapt. Jaylen Brown may carry the bulk of the scoring load, but even he thrives best when supported by high-IQ teammates who don’t require touches to impact the game. Simmons could complement Brown perfectly, filling in the gaps in transition, defending opposing stars, and making the right pass in the flow of the offense. In this way, Simmons wouldn’t be asked to do what he failed to do in Philadelphia or Brooklyn—he’d be asked to do what he does best, but with no pressure to be the focal point.
The Celtics are no strangers to taking risks on reclamation projects. They once turned Evan Turner’s career around and made Marcus Smart a cornerstone piece despite early doubts about his offensive potential. But Simmons is a different case altogether. He’s not a fringe rotational player looking to prove he belongs—he’s a former No. 1 overall pick with All-NBA upside if mentally and physically healthy. The Celtics understand this and are likely to structure any deal or acquisition with both risk mitigation and long-term upside in mind. It could come in the form of a low-cost trade or even a minimum contract if Simmons is waived and clears the market. In either scenario, Boston would be positioned to benefit from a low-risk, high-reward move.
There’s also a psychological component at play. Simmons has spent the last few years being ridiculed, questioned, and written off. His playoff collapse with the Sixers, followed by extended absences and minimal impact with the Nets, have led many to believe his best days are behind him. That kind of collective dismissal can either crush a player or motivate him to reclaim his narrative. Boston is betting on the latter. The Celtics’ culture, which blends competitive fire with a degree of organizational patience, could be the perfect setting for Simmons to quietly rebuild his confidence. Without the intense spotlight he faced in Philadelphia or the chaotic dynamics of Brooklyn, Simmons would be afforded a fresh start in a structured, winning environment.
Defensively, Simmons could be a game-changer. Even in limited action over the past two seasons, his impact on that end of the floor was undeniable. He can guard positions one through five, disrupt passing lanes, and rebound at an elite level. For a Celtics team that often prides itself on defense-first basketball, he could be a seamless fit. Imagine a lineup that features Simmons, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porziņģis—switchability, rim protection, and perimeter pressure all wrapped into one suffocating defensive scheme. Simmons wouldn’t have to be the best player on the court—just the smartest, most disruptive, and most reliable on defense.
Of course, the risks are real. Simmons’ back issues have been chronic, and his shooting woes—particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc—are well-documented. There’s also the question of mental toughness. Can he handle Boston’s intense media scrutiny and passionate fanbase? Will he embrace the grind of a team-first role after years of being treated like a franchise player? These are fair questions, and they’re why Simmons is available at all. But the Celtics believe the answers may be more optimistic than most think. If ever there was a team with the infrastructure, culture, and system to insulate Simmons and help him thrive, it’s Boston.
Then there’s the larger strategic picture. Adding Simmons signals that Boston is not interested in going backward. Even without Tatum, they aim to remain competitive, to retool instead of tank. Simmons’ presence would allow them to try new offensive sets, test different defensive combinations, and maintain a level of unpredictability that’s crucial in a league increasingly defined by versatility. He could serve as a point-forward in small-ball lineups or slide into a big-guard role when needed. His rebounding could ignite transition opportunities, where Brown and White could flourish. Even as his offensive limitations persist, his ability to read the floor and make the extra pass could unlock others’ scoring potential.
The Celtics’ pursuit of Simmons also reflects a deeper shift in how front offices evaluate talent. It’s no longer just about points per game or shooting splits; it’s about impact, fit, and versatility. Simmons is a flawed player, but he is also a potentially transformative one when used correctly. Boston is not looking for him to become a jump shooter overnight. They’re asking him to be himself—only in a role tailored to his strengths. That kind of clarity can make all the difference in a player’s psyche and production.
In a way, this pursuit mirrors the Celtics’ historical identity: gritty, defensive-minded, and cerebral. Simmons, at his best, embodies those qualities. He’s not a flashy scorer or vocal leader, but he’s a thinker on the court. He sees plays before they happen, communicates switches, and anticipates angles. For a team looking to bridge eras without bottoming out, having a high-IQ player with defensive upside is an invaluable asset.
And then there’s the redemption arc—the very human story that makes sports compelling. Simmons has been mocked, doubted, and dismissed. But history is full of players who found second, third, or even fourth chances in the right environment. The Celtics are betting that Simmons still has that fire burning somewhere inside him, and they’re hoping to be the team that helps him rekindle it. If they’re right, they’ll have added a unique and impactful player without sacrificing their future. If they’re wrong, they move on with minimal cost. That’s the type of asymmetric upside that savvy front offices are built to identify.
There’s also something to be said about timing. Simmons is still young, and his body may yet respond positively to a full offseason of rehab and training. Boston wouldn’t need him to play 40 minutes a night or carry a heavy offensive load. They would manage his minutes carefully, use him situationally, and prioritize his health above all. With the right medical and performance team in place, there’s a real possibility Simmons could get back to at least 80% of his peak form. And that version of Simmons—flawed but defensively elite and offensively useful—is a net positive on almost any NBA roster.
In the end, the Celtics aren’t chasing stars just for the sake of headlines. They’re trying to build a sustainable winning team, and they see in Simmons a player who, if unlocked, could be a cornerstone of that vision. Not the face of the franchise, but a pillar of it—sturdy, reliable, and uniquely gifted. Boston has long prided itself on winning with substance over style, and Simmons, for all his baggage, fits that mold. He may never live up to the hype that once surrounded him, but in a Celtic jersey, he may not have to. All he needs is a role, a purpose, and a second chance. The Celtics are ready to give him that. Now it’s up to Simmons to meet the moment.
