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Ben Simmons to Celtics Deemed Unlikely for One Reason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 4:53 PM ET

In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports tying Ben Simmons to the Boston Celtics. Both Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst revealed that the Celtics are among the teams interested in signing the three-time All-Star.

Since his fallout with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons has not played at the same level he once did. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game while shooting 52% from the field in 51 games combined with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

After losing Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and presumably Al Horford, the Celtics don't have that many big men in their frontcourt. Their rotation of centers includes Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, Luka Garza, and Amari Williams.

However, despite the Celtics' interest in Simmons, he doesn't seem likely to join them. Not unless someone else gets traded first. CLNS Media's Bobby Manning explained how, from a roster standpoint, he doesn't see the Celtics adding Simmons.

"If #Celtics sign Ben Simmons, they're effectively committing to 15 players to start the year which they haven't done in some time," Manning wrote. "Unless they have a path in mind to further downsizing payroll in September/later, or adjusting the roster, I don't see it unless they love him…"

If #Celtics sign Ben Simmons, they're effectively committing to 15 players to start the year which they haven't done in some time. Unless they have a path in mind to further downsizing payroll in September/later, or adjusting the roster, I don't see it unless they love him...
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) July 24, 2025

If the Celtics get rid of someone first to open a roster spot and/or make trades to reduce their payroll, that scenario could open the door for Boston to sign Simmons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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