By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
There have been early talks between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers about a Ben Simmons trade, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Simmons, 25, has yet to play in the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season. Despite gaining some traction towards returning to action in October, he later declared himself not mentally ready to play and has also been unwilling to cooperate with the team in discussing the matter. Therefore, remains out indefinitely.
The Sixers have since resumed fining the disgruntled guard/forward and team president Daryl Morey has apparently logged back on searching for a trade partner. The Celtics have expressed interest, as noted in the latest status update, but significant progress towards a potential deal has not been made.
Jaylen Brown, recently sidelined with a hamstring injury, is reported as a necessary inclusion in a trade sending Simmons to Boston to be completed. The 25-year-old American swingman was averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest over eight appearances, before shifting to the Celtics injury list.
Brad Stevens, taking over as president of basketball operations after Danny Ainge retired in June, recently hinted to looking for a way to upgrade the roster. “We are going to find out,” he told NBC Sports Boston answering if the current squad shapes the right group of players.
Despite the disruptions generated by the Simmons saga, the 76ers coached by Doc Rivers currently lead the Eastern Conference standings at 8-2. The Celtics are 4-6.
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