Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26

[Dogen]

Ok, I'm starting to change my mind about Ben Simmons.

There's a lot of if's. If we run his medicals and everything checks out ok. If we bring him and meet with the staff and it seems like his head is in the right place and he actually wants to be here and wants to help us win.

If those boxes are checked, the next if becomes, if we are able to clear a roster spot for him. Because after we just worked so hard to dip under the 2nd apron, I doubt we are going right back over it to sign Ben Simmons - or any guy for that matter. If we sign someone else, we're probably going to clear a roster spot first.

One way that can be done is trading Tillman. It could look something like these other trades that happen when 1 team is just trying to dump another player but doesn't want to waive them. 2 examples:

"the Boston Celtics traded Noah Vonleh and cash to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a conditional future second-round draft pick."

"The Boston Celtics traded Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets for a conditional 2031 second-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick"

So here's what we do:
-Trade Tillman as a dump, other team maybe keeps him (if they need another big) or they maybe waive him afterwards
-Sign Simmons, basically with the same $2.5 mil for this season. And maybe tack on a team option for 26-27 season to make it more appealing to him and beat out the other teams pursuing him
-Extend Simons and Niang to cheap, team friendly extensions at some point between now and next summer
-Get Tatum back healthy for the 26-27 season

We'd then be in position to compete for another championship.

Having another elite defender on the team (Simmons) would help to cover any gaps in our defense. Simmons and White could be all-defense team. The Jays could be in the mix as well. Queta will protect the room for like 20, maybe 25 MPG.

In this scenario, you're basically having Simmons, Queta and Garza split mins at the 5. Sometimes just playing 1 of them at a time, Sometimes play 2 of them together at the 4 and the 5..especially if it's Simmons (non shooter, elite defender) paired with Garza (shooter, suspect defender) because they pair well together. But with those 3 guys at the 5, you've got a really good passer/defender (Simmons), a rim runner, lob catcher, rim protector 7-footer (Queta) and a stretch big who has potential to shoot and score in the post (Garza) so they each bring something unique to the table.

One other point with regards to Simmons. While he has had injury problems, that's both a red flag as well as an advantage. How so? Well, think about it. He's 29 yrs old. But he had 2 entire seasons he missed due to injury/holdout. Plus another season where he only played in 15 games. So that's basically 3 seasons he didn't play. So a 29 yr old guy basically has the wear and tear on him of a 26 yr old in terms of the amount of NBA games he's played in. Plus he fits the timeline nicely with the Jays and D-white.

If we can get him here for a minimum deal, I say do it. Especially if we're able to find a team that will take Tillman's contract off our hands.

[darrendaye]

Also, we can't send cash out in a trade if we're over the 2nd apron. But we just got under the 2nd apron, so I believe that is doable now..

Yeah, I stand corrected. Made the mistake of trusting ChatGPT on that one. Subsequent to your reply I found this which backs you up:

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/second-apron-nba-cba-explained/716143/

[Hal14]

Yeah, I stand corrected. Made the mistake of trusting ChatGPT on that one. Subsequent to your reply I found this which backs you up:

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/second-apron-nba-cba-explained/716143/

Ok, so maybe that's the next move here. We got under the 2nd apron so now we can send cash out in a trade..so maybe now the next move is dumping Tillman via trade, sending cash out like we did with Vonleh.

Then we'd only be at 13 standard contracts though so the next move after that would probably be signing someone else to a cheap standard contract - possibly Simmons or Bassey.

[djFan71]

Yeah, I stand corrected. Made the mistake of trusting ChatGPT on that one. Subsequent to your reply I found this which backs you up:

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/second-apron-nba-cba-explained/716143/

Ok, so maybe that's the next move here. We got under the 2nd apron so now we can send cash out in a trade..so maybe now the next move is dumping Tillman via trade, sending cash out like we did with Vonleh.

Then we'd only be at 13 standard contracts though so the next move after that would probably be signing someone else to a cheap standard contract - possibly Simmons or Bassey.

Could be an option at the deadline too - send out X (or whichever min isn't cutting it) and cash, then do 10 days and sign a pro-rated min at the last possible date. Probably save $6-7M in taxes.

[GreenBlooded]

Over the past three seasons, Simmons played 62 fewer games than KP at a clip of 34 games/season. Let that sink in...

A) Porzingis was making $30 mil a year and we were relying on him to play 31 MPG so his injuries were much more of an issue. Simmons would be a vet min contract, playing like 20 MPG, maybe 25. We'd sit him on back to backs and load manage the crap out of him this season since it's bridge year..probably just have him play like 40 or so games this season so that a) we get a better draft pick and b) we're putting less miles on him so he has is more likely to be healthy in 26-27 when we're going for a ring

B) a lot of the games Simmons has missed over the past few years were just because he was holding out, didn't want to play, was out with COVID/non COVID illness, team was tanking, etc. KP on the other hand? His games missed were due to injury and a few because of that weird illness he got last season.

I think if we watch his minutes and his amount of games played, we can hopefully keep him fairly healthy.

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

[Shak_Celts]

Over the past three seasons, Simmons played 62 fewer games than KP at a clip of 34 games/season. Let that sink in...

A) Porzingis was making $30 mil a year and we were relying on him to play 31 MPG so his injuries were much more of an issue. Simmons would be a vet min contract, playing like 20 MPG, maybe 25. We'd sit him on back to backs and load manage the crap out of him this season since it's bridge year..probably just have him play like 40 or so games this season so that a) we get a better draft pick and b) we're putting less miles on him so he has is more likely to be healthy in 26-27 when we're going for a ring

B) a lot of the games Simmons has missed over the past few years were just because he was holding out, didn't want to play, was out with COVID/non COVID illness, team was tanking, etc. KP on the other hand? His games missed were due to injury and a few because of that weird illness he got last season.

I think if we watch his minutes and his amount of games played, we can hopefully keep him fairly healthy.

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

What did Simons do? See now, this is why I hate that I don’t know if he’s staying or not, I would probably know through “research” how he was a poor professional! Now I want to know if I need to wish him off the team!! Just tell me the headline of what he did, please?

[cl2117]

I like Ben Simmons as an addition not because I think he could be the answer to any of our problems but because I think that there will be a desperate GM at some point next season that will convince themselves that he will solve theirs.

Next year being a relatively low pressure situation on the C's seems like a good fit for Simmons. Plus our system where everyone else is going to be firing away takes pressure off him to attempt to score in any meaningful way and lets him focus on being a facilitator. if he shows off his defensive versatility, which we'll absolutely need given our current roster construction, I think he can also put up some gaudy stat lines in terms of assists/rebounds.

It's going to be fool's gold but I'm 95% sure that there will be a desperate GM looking for an answer to their problems that will be willing to convince themselves Ben is it (especially if he's on a cheap contract). Brad could get value back and/or use it as leverage to try to dump more salary.

Seems like a worthy investment to me but I guess that also depends on the money he's getting. If it's the vet minimum it feels like a no-brainer, if it's more than that then there's the added risk that he sucks and is another roadblock to keeping below the aprons/tax.

[canman1971]

Over the past three seasons, Simmons played 62 fewer games than KP at a clip of 34 games/season. Let that sink in...

A) Porzingis was making $30 mil a year and we were relying on him to play 31 MPG so his injuries were much more of an issue. Simmons would be a vet min contract, playing like 20 MPG, maybe 25. We'd sit him on back to backs and load manage the crap out of him this season since it's bridge year..probably just have him play like 40 or so games this season so that a) we get a better draft pick and b) we're putting less miles on him so he has is more likely to be healthy in 26-27 when we're going for a ring

B) a lot of the games Simmons has missed over the past few years were just because he was holding out, didn't want to play, was out with COVID/non COVID illness, team was tanking, etc. KP on the other hand? His games missed were due to injury and a few because of that weird illness he got last season.

I think if we watch his minutes and his amount of games played, we can hopefully keep him fairly healthy.

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum say

[phincsfan]

A) Porzingis was making $30 mil a year and we were relying on him to play 31 MPG so his injuries were much more of an issue. Simmons would be a vet min contract, playing like 20 MPG, maybe 25. We'd sit him on back to backs and load manage the crap out of him this season since it's bridge year..probably just have him play like 40 or so games this season so that a) we get a better draft pick and b) we're putting less miles on him so he has is more likely to be healthy in 26-27 when we're going for a ring

B) a lot of the games Simmons has missed over the past few years were just because he was holding out, didn't want to play, was out with COVID/non COVID illness, team was tanking, etc. KP on the other hand? His games missed were due to injury and a few because of that weird illness he got last season.

I think if we watch his minutes and his amount of games played, we can hopefully keep him fairly healthy.

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

What did Simons do? See now, this is why I hate that I don’t know if he’s staying or not, I would probably know through “research” how he was a poor professional! Now I want to know if I need to wish him off the team!! Just tell me the headline of what he did, please?

I think you're confusing Simons and Simmons.

Simons hasn't done anything yet.

[Shak_Celts]

In before I have to force my brain to like Simmons on the Celts, PLEASE DON’T DO IT BRAD! I don’t dislike him, but I like a grit and grind player, unless you are the beast player. Even then, my favorite of the best players aren’t finesse. Thanks but no thanks. I’m not living on the memory of Philly Simmons, when we can give minutes to guys who you know want a chance to go balls to the wall. I think he’s not in it to give max effort, that would be wasting my fandom!

Simmons, if we pick you up, ignore this post! I’ll be on your side like you’re the greatest reclamation project ever. I won’t be lying either, I can trick my mind into believing anything good can happen for my team. People will tell me I’m wrong, but my brain is set up to think the best in sports. Oh, I can SEE THE TRUTH, but my hope/belief carries the day! I’m proudly delulu!

[Shak_Celts]

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

What did Simons do? See now, this is why I hate that I don’t know if he’s staying or not, I would probably know through “research” how he was a poor professional! Now I want to know if I need to wish him off the team!! Just tell me the headline of what he did, please?

I think you're confusing Simons and Simmons.

Simons hasn't done anything yet.

I highlighted both names. I know about Simmons, thought maybe Simons had a story.

[playa-hater]

I am really rather surprised that almost nobody is buying what I am selling. And that ben simmons is a win win situation.

If he's absolute trash, that goes to our tank position

If he ends up playing anywhere near what he used to do. What a great versatile pick up.

All at the bottom of the barrel price.

[Celts17Pride]

I am really rather surprised that almost nobody is buying what I am selling. And that ben simmons is a win win situation.

If he's absolute trash, that goes our tank position

If he ends up playing anywhere near what he used to do. What are great versatile pick up.

All at the bottom of the barrel price.

I would rather have Bassey than Simmons. One, Simmons is never going to be what he was the first 3 years and two, Bassey will give 100% effort, can't count on that from Simmons. Bassey will actually shoot the ball when the opportunity arises, can't say that about Simmons.

[Gant]

Maybe this means they're keeping Niang. Or maybe they had to dump Davison because there were no numbers left.


Etienne Catalan:

Georges Niang will wear No. 20 for the #Celtics. Number last worn by JD Davison in 2025.

[redslastlaugh]

We should unretire #1 and #2 and keep JD

Maybe this means they're keeping Niang. Or maybe they had to dump Davison because there were no numbers left.


Etienne Catalan:

Georges Niang will wear No. 20 for the #Celtics. Number last worn by JD Davison in 2025.

[ParticleMan]

I am really rather surprised that almost nobody is buying what I am selling. And that ben simmons is a win win situation.

If he's absolute trash, that goes our tank position

If he ends up playing anywhere near what he used to do. What are great versatile pick up.

All at the bottom of the barrel price.

I'm with you, but the counterpoint is that several other teams have thought exactly this and it hasn't worked out and in a bad way. so I get being skeptical.

But as I said I'm with you. I think it's a low-risk, medium-reward situation in our circumstances given that it's a bridge/soft tank year, as long as it's a one-year guaranteed min deal.

[Hal14]

Yeah, I stand corrected. Made the mistake of trusting ChatGPT on that one. Subsequent to your reply I found this which backs you up:

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/second-apron-nba-cba-explained/716143/

Ok, so maybe that's the next move here. We got under the 2nd apron so now we can send cash out in a trade..so maybe now the next move is dumping Tillman via trade, sending cash out like we did with Vonleh.

Then we'd only be at 13 standard contracts though so the next move after that would probably be signing someone else to a cheap standard contract - possibly Simmons or Bassey.

Could be an option at the deadline too - send out X (or whichever min isn't cutting it) and cash, then do 10 days and sign a pro-rated min at the last possible date. Probably save $6-7M in taxes.

Yeah, that's possible. But if we really want to sign someone like Simmons or Bassey, we probably need to do it quick, like in the next few days or we risk them signing elsewhere.

[flintsky21]

I am really rather surprised that almost nobody is buying what I am selling. And that ben simmons is a win win situation.

If he's absolute trash, that goes our tank position

If he ends up playing anywhere near what he used to do. What are great versatile pick up.

All at the bottom of the barrel price.

Win or lose, compete or tank, I still wanna enjoy some good basketball. Ben Simmons is a hindrance to that.

[GreenBlooded]

A) Porzingis was making $30 mil a year and we were relying on him to play 31 MPG so his injuries were much more of an issue. Simmons would be a vet min contract, playing like 20 MPG, maybe 25. We'd sit him on back to backs and load manage the crap out of him this season since it's bridge year..probably just have him play like 40 or so games this season so that a) we get a better draft pick and b) we're putting less miles on him so he has is more likely to be healthy in 26-27 when we're going for a ring

B) a lot of the games Simmons has missed over the past few years were just because he was holding out, didn't want to play, was out with COVID/non COVID illness, team was tanking, etc. KP on the other hand? His games missed were due to injury and a few because of that weird illness he got last season.

I think if we watch his minutes and his amount of games played, we can hopefully keep him fairly healthy.

You're wishful thinking. He was unplayable in the playoffs for the clippers. He's a minimum contract for a reason. Hard pass. Give those 20 minutes to Minot, Walsh and Garza.

Also, imagine the difference in the locker room professionalism replacing Holiday and Horford with Simons and Simmons. SMH

What did Simons do? See now, this is why I hate that I don’t know if he’s staying or not, I would probably know through “research” how he was a poor professional! Now I want to know if I need to wish him off the team!! Just tell me the headline of what he did, please?

The comment was more slanted towards the ultimate professionalism of Holiday and Horford.

As for Simons though, I'd categorize him as immature not toxic. He was caught up in player/s posting dunk highlights at halftime, there were reports of tantrums in the locker room and poor effort, including skipping rehabs and being lat. You can easily find lots of fan comments questioning his passion, effort and maturity, especially in context of defensive effort.

It may be something a strong vet locker room corrects but he's the polar opposite of the leadership Holiday brought to the team.

[LarryBirdsFingr]

In before I have to force my brain to like Simmons on the Celts, PLEASE DON’T DO IT BRAD! I don’t dislike him, but I like a grit and grind player, unless you are the beast player. Even then, my favorite of the best players aren’t finesse. Thanks but no thanks. I’m not living on the memory of Philly Simmons, when we can give minutes to guys who you know want a chance to go balls to the wall. I think he’s not in it to give max effort, that would be wasting my fandom!

Simmons, if we pick you up, ignore this post! I’ll be on your side like you’re the greatest reclamation project ever. I won’t be lying either, I can trick my mind into believing anything good can happen for my team. People will tell me I’m wrong, but my brain is set up to think the best in sports. Oh, I can SEE THE TRUTH, but my hope/belief carries the day! I’m proudly delulu!

Shak is correct. He doesn't fit the mold. Next.