Celtics fans can rest easy: trading Jaylen Brown for Ben Simmons was apparently never an option.
NBA Insider Shams Charania reports the Celtics “engaged” with the Sixers on Simmons, but balked once Philadelphia general manager Daryl Morey asked for Brown in return.
“When it comes to Jaylen Brown, they didn’t want to move Jaylen Brown for Ben Simmons,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “So unless Philadelphia gets more realistic, they are not going to get what they want.”
Charania noted the Sixers are asking for All-Star caliber players in return for Simmons, who’s currently embroiled in a nasty feud with the team over his mental health. On Thursday, Rich Paul, Simmons’ agent, accused the 76ers of exacerbating his client’s mental health issues. The 2016 No. 1 overall pick hasn’t played a game this season.
The Sixers say Simmons first told them about his mental health issues on Oct. 22 and didn’t meet with a team-affiliated specialist until Monday.
Even without considering Simmons’ uncertain status, swapping Brown for the disgruntled All-Star is a dubious proposition. Brown is a better scorer than Simmons and significantly cheaper. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $106 million deal while Simmons is in the second year of a five-year, $177 million deal.
While the Celtics are interested in Simmons’ upside, Charania said there’s no way they’re parting with Brown for his services.
“When it came to Philadelphia being hard-charged on getting Jaylen Brown in any scenario, yeah, I think it ended being like, ‘We’re not listening,’” Charania said.
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