Boston Celtics Receive: F Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Marcus Smart, Tristan Thompson, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, 2023 First-Round Draft Pick, 2025 First-Round Draft Pick, 2027 First-Round Draft Pick
The Boston Celtics land Ben Simmons in this deal, but the focus is on the return package for the Philadelphia 76ers. Some people will question why Jaylen Brown isn’t included? Brown made his first All-Star team and would likely be the first player the 76ers ask for in a return package for Simmons.
Just because they would ask for him, doesn’t mean Boston would include him. According to Chris Mannix via NBC Sports Boston, the Celtics should look long and hard about trading Brown for Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal. He doesn’t mention Simmons among those players, so Brown is off the table in this deal.
The 76ers do come away with some good pieces. Tristan Thompson and Marcus Smart are both battled-tested veterans that have vast playoff experience. They’re both on expiring deals, so they can be flipped for more assets if Philadelphia chooses to go that route.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Lillard, LaVine, Simmons, Sexton
Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith give Philadelphia two young players they can develop on their own or try and flip into a more established player. The extra draft picks they acquired in this deal would also help them accomplish that.
Moving Simmons at this point also gives the 76ers a ton of salary cap flexibility going forward. They would have the maneuverability to reshape the roster around Joel Embiid to make a run to those elusive NBA Finals.
