JUST NOW: Celtics Sign Former Three-Time All-Star Ben Simmons in Free Agency After Walking Away from Damian Lillard and Marcus Smart Pursuits
In a move that has stunned much of the basketball world, the Boston Celtics have officially signed former three-time All-Star Ben Simmons in free agency — signaling a dramatic pivot from previous pursuits of Damian Lillard and a quiet farewell to the Marcus Smart era.
The signing was confirmed Friday morning by team president Brad Stevens, who called the move “a calculated risk — but one with potentially elite defensive upside.” Simmons, who played 51 games last season split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaged a modest 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Still, the Celtics are banking on his versatility, size, and renewed motivation to inject life into their evolving roster.
A New Chapter for Simmons
Once hailed as one of the league’s brightest young stars, Simmons has endured a tumultuous few years — struggling with injuries, questions about his shooting confidence, and team fit issues. However, sources close to Simmons say the 28-year-old is finally “healthy, hungry, and ready to prove everyone wrong.”
Boston may offer the clean slate Simmons desperately needs.
“I’m excited to join a team with championship aspirations,” Simmons said in a brief statement through his agent. “I’ve been grinding behind the scenes. This is a new beginning for me.”
Celtics Pivot From Lillard & Smart
The signing comes on the heels of the Celtics reportedly walking away from trade talks for Damian Lillard, who remains a marquee name tied to several contenders but whose price tag in terms of assets and salary was reportedly too high for Boston’s front office. Likewise, after last season’s blockbuster that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis in the Kristaps Porziņģis trade, some insiders speculated the team was eyeing a new long-term backcourt identity.
Simmons may not be the sharpshooter Boston fans were dreaming of — but his size (6’10”), defensive versatility, and elite court vision could offer a unique complement to stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White.
Role & Fit
While it’s unclear if Simmons will start or come off the bench, early indications suggest Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla sees him as a utility weapon capable of defending positions 1 through 5, initiating fast breaks, and adding ball-handling depth behind White and newcomer Payton Pritchard.
Boston’s offense will need to adjust — Simmons is not a perimeter threat, and spacing will be critical — but the coaching staff reportedly sees shades of Draymond Green’s role in Golden State when imagining Simmons’ future in green and white.
“If we use him the right way,” one assistant coach said anonymously, “he can change the way we defend and initiate offense — without needing him to score 20 a night.”
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble?
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but multiple league sources suggest it’s a short-term, incentive-heavy contract — ideal for a team looking to maintain flexibility while experimenting with upside talent.
Boston fans, still raw from Smart’s departure and another Finals miss, have voiced mixed reactions.
One fan tweeted, “Simmons? Really??” while another wrote: “If he’s healthy and locked in — we just stole an All-Star for pennies.”
NBA insiders say the Celtics could still be active on the trade market, but for now, the Simmons signing marks a bold attempt to stay competitive and deepen their rotation without sacrificing core assets.
Final Word
Ben Simmons is now a Boston Celtic. For some, it’s redemption waiting to happen. For others, it’s a head-scratching experiment. But if the Celtics can unlock even a shadow of the player who once averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, this gamble could turn into the steal of the summer.
Time — and health — will tell.
JUST NOW: Celtics Sign Former Three-Time All-Star Ben Simmons in Free Agency After Walking Away from Damian Lillard and Marcus Smart Pursuits
In a move that has stunned much of the basketball world, the Boston Celtics have officially signed former three-time All-Star Ben Simmons in free agency — signaling a dramatic pivot from previous pursuits of Damian Lillard and a quiet farewell to the Marcus Smart era.
The signing was confirmed Friday morning by team president Brad Stevens, who called the move “a calculated risk — but one with potentially elite defensive upside.” Simmons, who played 51 games last season split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaged a modest 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Still, the Celtics are banking on his versatility, size, and renewed motivation to inject life into their evolving roster.
A New Chapter for Simmons
Once hailed as one of the league’s brightest young stars, Simmons has endured a tumultuous few years — struggling with injuries, questions about his shooting confidence, and team fit issues. However, sources close to Simmons say the 28-year-old is finally “healthy, hungry, and ready to prove everyone wrong.”
Boston may offer the clean slate Simmons desperately needs.
“I’m excited to join a team with championship aspirations,” Simmons said in a brief statement through his agent. “I’ve been grinding behind the scenes. This is a new beginning for me.”
Celtics Pivot From Lillard & Smart
The signing comes on the heels of the Celtics reportedly walking away from trade talks for Damian Lillard, who remains a marquee name tied to several contenders but whose price tag in terms of assets and salary was reportedly too high for Boston’s front office. Likewise, after last season’s blockbuster that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis in the Kristaps Porziņģis trade, some insiders speculated the team was eyeing a new long-term backcourt identity.
Simmons may not be the sharpshooter Boston fans were dreaming of — but his size (6’10”), defensive versatility, and elite court vision could offer a unique complement to stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White.
Role & Fit
While it’s unclear if Simmons will start or come off the bench, early indications suggest Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla sees him as a utility weapon capable of defending positions 1 through 5, initiating fast breaks, and adding ball-handling depth behind White and newcomer Payton Pritchard.
Boston’s offense will need to adjust — Simmons is not a perimeter threat, and spacing will be critical — but the coaching staff reportedly sees shades of Draymond Green’s role in Golden State when imagining Simmons’ future in green and white.
“If we use him the right way,” one assistant coach said anonymously, “he can change the way we defend and initiate offense — without needing him to score 20 a night.”
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble?
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but multiple league sources suggest it’s a short-term, incentive-heavy contract — ideal for a team looking to maintain flexibility while experimenting with upside talent.
Boston fans, still raw from Smart’s departure and another Finals miss, have voiced mixed reactions.
One fan tweeted, “Simmons? Really??” while another wrote: “If he’s healthy and locked in — we just stole an All-Star for pennies.”
NBA insiders say the Celtics could still be active on the trade market, but for now, the Simmons signing marks a bold attempt to stay competitive and deepen their rotation without sacrificing core assets.
Final Word
Ben Simmons is now a Boston Celtic. For some, it’s redemption waiting to happen. For others, it’s a head-scratching experiment. But if the Celtics can unlock even a shadow of the player who once averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, this gamble could turn into the steal of the summer.
Time — and health — will tell.
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