GOOD NEWS: Boston Celtics Sign Former Three-Time All-Star in Free Agency After Moving On from Damian Lillard and Marcus Smart
In a move that has stunned many around the NBA and thrilled Celtics Nation, the Boston Celtics have officially signed former three-time All-Star Ben Simmons in free agency. The announcement comes after the team walked away from two high-profile pursuits—Damian Lillard and a potential reunion with fan-favorite Marcus Smart. While those talks fizzled, Boston may have found the perfect low-risk, high-reward solution in the 28-year-old Australian forward-guard.
A Surprising Pivot
Just weeks ago, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was reportedly in deep talks with both Damian Lillard’s camp and Marcus Smart’s agents about potential roster moves. However, financial constraints, chemistry concerns, and long-term cap flexibility ultimately led the Celtics front office to walk away from those negotiations.
Enter Ben Simmons.
Once considered one of the most unique and promising talents in the league, Simmons has had a turbulent few seasons plagued by injuries, mental health battles, and inconsistent performances. But Boston sees what others may have overlooked: an opportunity to bring in a versatile, defensive-minded playmaker who fits their system and culture—if he’s healthy and mentally ready.
Simmons’ Numbers: Modest but Encouraging
Simmons spent the 2024–25 season splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in 51 games—his highest total since the 2020–21 season—and averaged:
While these aren’t All-Star numbers, league insiders say the Celtics weren’t chasing box score stats—they were hunting for glue guys, ball movers, and versatile defenders who can contribute in a postseason environment.
“He’s not the Simmons from 2019,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “But we’re not asking him to be. We’re asking him to be the best version of who he is now—and we believe he still has a lot of winning basketball left in him.”
What Simmons Brings to Boston
Ben Simmons, when healthy and confident, is still one of the NBA’s best defenders—capable of guarding 1 through 5. His court vision remains elite, and he has shown glimpses of that same explosive downhill game that once made him a No. 1 overall pick and a Rookie of the Year. In Boston, he won’t be asked to score. He’ll be asked to defend, rebound, initiate offense, and set up stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Sources close to the team say Simmons has been training hard in Los Angeles this offseason and had an impressive private workout in front of Celtics personnel earlier this month.
“This is about fit and upside,” said a team executive. “Ben wanted a fresh start. We wanted a connector—someone who could push pace, handle the ball, and switch on defense. This could be a win-win.”
Contract Details
The Celtics signed Simmons to a two-year deal worth $18 million, with the second year being a team option. The contract is structured with several performance-based incentives that could push the total value higher if Simmons plays a key role or hits certain statistical thresholds.
The modest deal is seen as a smart financial move that gives Boston flexibility in 2026 while also adding a seasoned player with playoff experience and positional versatility.
Fan Reaction: Mixed But Hopeful
As expected, reaction across social media has been divided.
Some fans celebrated the signing, seeing Simmons as a low-cost gamble that could pay off big in a championship run.“If we can get 75% of the old Ben Simmons, this team just got better without breaking the bank,” one Celtics fan tweeted.
Others were more cautious, expressing concern about Simmons’ health and mental toughness—especially in a high-pressure environment like Boston.“I’d rather have Marcus Smart back,” another wrote. “But hey—if this works, Brad Stevens is a genius.”
Moving On from the Past
By walking away from Damian Lillard, the Celtics avoided giving up major assets like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, or future first-round picks. And while a Smart return would’ve tugged at the heartstrings, the team believes their current backcourt—with White, Jrue Holiday, and rising rookie Darrien Allen—is strong enough to contend.
Simmons gives them something different: size, vision, and elite switching defense.
What’s Next?
The Celtics are reportedly still looking to round out their bench with another veteran shooter or big man before training camp begins in September. But the roster is already shaping up to be one of the most versatile and defensively potent in the league.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remain the core. Kristaps Porziņģis is expected back healthy. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday provide stability in the backcourt. Now, Ben Simmons joins that mix—not as a savior, but as a possible missing piece.
For a franchise with 18 banners hanging in the rafters, the goal remains clear: win a 19th.
And if Ben Simmons can help them get there—even in a quiet, supporting role—this will be remembered as one of the savviest moves of the 2025 offseason.
Only time will tell. But for now, the Celtics believe they’ve found value where others saw only uncertainty.
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