Celtics linked to three-time All-Star

As the Celtics are looking to add to their frontcourt depth following the mass exodus of bigs in Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, there could be a familiar option for them to look into.

Former Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons is still available.

And according to Marc Stein, there is interest in the 6'10 Aussie's services in Boston. The Celtics were one of four teams listed by Stein as having reportedly shown interest in Simmons.

Stein wrote, "League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I'm told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York and Sacramento."

Stein added context to Simmons' standing in free agency by noting other moves recently made. 

"With [Bradley] Beal and [Marcus] Smart finding new teams after their buyouts this week, [Chris] Paul and Simmons headline a list of available guards that also features Russell Westbrook and Malcolm Brogdon."

While Stein lists Simmons as a guard - and most other teams listed are likely looking for another point guard - Simmons' role in Boston would much more likely be in the post.

Simmons is a versatile enough player with his size and ballhandling to either run point or play as a forward. Despite losing Jrue Holiday, the Celtics are still seemingly set with their PG rotation. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons can all play the position.

In Boston, Simmons could - in small bursts - play a point-forward role akin to Jayson Tatum's, allowing Boston's elite shooters to focus on moving off the ball and getting open. This could be especially pertinent with Tatum likely missing the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Celtics fans are quite familiar with Simmons after his days playing for their archrival, the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics and Simmons had numerous playoff battles before Simmons' unceremonious exit from Philly.