With the Brooklyn Nets trading away Dennis Schroder, a key player to start the 2024-25 season, it seems that most of the roster, aside from perhaps Cam Thomas, could be on the trade block. Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith have particularly attracted significant interest from contending teams. There’s also a possibility that Ben Simmons could be traded, especially considering he’s in the final year of his contract.
Although finding a suitor for Simmons’ expiring $40 million deal may be challenging, his value as a former All-Star point forward is not completely lost. Surprisingly, the Boston Celtics have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Simmons if he leaves the Nets. According to the latest odds from BetOnline, the Celtics have the highest chance of landing him, with odds set at +150.
Other teams with championship aspirations, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Indiana Pacers, are also among the top contenders. It appears that bettors believe Simmons could provide value to a contending team, where he wouldn’t face the same pressure to justify his hefty contract. The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently one of the Celtics’ biggest threats to the championship, are also among the top six.
Simmons has now assumed the role of the Nets’ starting point guard following Schroder’s departure, giving contending teams a chance to evaluate if he still has the potential to contribute at a high level.
Assessing Ben Simmons’ Fit with the Celtics
While the Celtics have a well-rounded roster, with two-way players at every position and a strong bench, including the league’s best Sixth Man, Payton Pritchard, they don’t have an urgent need for Simmons. However, his ability to contribute as a point forward and a versatile player, especially in specific lineups or as a short roller, could add depth to their offensive game. His flexibility could be valuable for the Celtics as they attempt to defend their NBA championship in a highly competitive field.
