The Boston Celtics’ offseason in 2025 was a whirlwind of roster reshaping, but few reports raised eyebrows like their near-signing of Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star. According to insider Marc Stein, Boston and the New York Knicks were the closest to landing the enigmatic 6-foot-10 playmaker before the Celtics pivoted to veteran forward Chris Boucher. This revelation, sparking heated discussions on Facebook, highlights Boston’s willingness to take bold swings to bolster their championship-contending roster. Let’s dive into the Celtics’ pursuit of Simmons, why it fell through, and what this saga reveals about their strategy and Simmons’ fading NBA prospects.
Boston’s Interest in Simmons: A Calculated Gamble
The Celtics’ consideration of Ben Simmons was no casual inquiry. As reported by Marc Stein on his Substack, Boston was among the top contenders to sign the 29-year-old former All-NBA guard during the 2025 free agency. Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston had earlier flagged Simmons as the kind of “random swing” the Celtics needed—a high-upside, low-risk addition to a roster navigating the loss of key players like Jayson Tatum for much of the 2025-26 season. Simmons’ unique skill set made him intriguing: at 6-foot-10, he offers versatility as a small-ball big, with elite defensive switching (1.6 steals per game career average) and playmaking (7.4 assists per game with the Nets in 2022-23).
Simmons’ stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers showcased his ability to rebound (6.9 per game career average) and anchor defenses, holding opponents to a 46.2% effective field goal percentage in his last healthy season. For Boston, facing a depleted frontcourt, Simmons could have been a dynamic bench piece, facilitating for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White while bolstering rim protection. Social media buzzed with speculation, with Facebook fans posting mock lineups and debating whether Simmons’ playmaking could revive Boston’s offense, which dropped to 113.8 points per 100 possessions (14th in the NBA) in 2024-25. However, the Celtics’ pivot to Chris Boucher, who averaged 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds with Toronto, signaled a preference for reliability over risk.
The Knicks’ Offer and Simmons’ Rejection
While Boston moved on, the New York Knicks also pursued Simmons, offering a one-year minimum contract, per Stein. For New York, Simmons represented a low-cost depth option behind Jalen Brunson, capable of providing defensive versatility and playmaking (5.7 assists per game in limited 2024-25 action). The Knicks, coming off a 50-win season, saw Simmons as a potential fit for Tom Thibodeau’s gritty system, where his 51.3% defensive rebounding rate could complement their top-10 defense (109.6 defensive rating). Yet, Simmons declined, reportedly holding out for a deal above the veteran minimum, a gamble that has backfired given his shrinking market.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Simmons, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, is now contemplating retirement at age 29. His reluctance to accept a minimum deal reflects a belief in his past accolades—three All-Star nods and a 2020 All-NBA selection—but teams remain wary of his back issues (missing 189 games since 2021) and lack of a jump shot (0-for-17 from three in his career). Facebook discussions highlight fan frustration, with posts like, “Simmons could’ve been a steal for Boston or New York, but he’s pricing himself out of the league!” The saga underscores Simmons’ fading star, as teams prioritize cost-effective veterans over his high-risk potential.
Why Boston Pivoted: The Boucher Bet
The Celtics’ decision to sign Chris Boucher over Simmons, as noted by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, reflects a shift toward stability. Boucher, a 6-foot-9 forward, brings proven production—10.0 points on 47.2% shooting and 4.5 rebounds in 2024-25—along with hustle (0.9 blocks per game) and floor-spacing (35.7% from three). Unlike Simmons, whose $40.3 million expiring contract with the Clippers raised luxury tax concerns, Boucher’s veteran minimum deal fits Boston’s $185 million payroll, already stretched by Brown’s $55 million cap hit. Boucher’s reliability as a rotation player, averaging 14.1 minutes last season, aligns with Joe Mazzulla’s system, which values defensive flexibility and efficient scoring.
Boston’s interest in Simmons shows their openness to creative roster solutions, especially with Tatum’s injury and Jrue Holiday’s departure. However, Simmons’ injury history and offensive limitations—averaging just 6.9 points in his last full season—likely tipped the scales toward Boucher and younger bigs like Neemias Queta (5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds in 2024-25). Facebook fans debate this choice, with some arguing Simmons’ playmaking could have elevated Boston’s bench, while others praise the safer Boucher signing, citing his 54.7% true shooting percentage. The pivot highlights Boston’s balance of ambition and pragmatism in a high-stakes season.
Simmons’ Crossroads: A Dimming Star
For Ben Simmons, the 2025 offseason marks a critical juncture. Once hailed as a generational talent, his career has been derailed by injuries and a refusal to shoot from distance, with only 14.7 points per game since his 2019-20 All-NBA season. His rejection of the Knicks’ minimum deal, per Bondy, suggests a disconnect between his expectations and market reality. With limited interest—only Boston and New York were linked—Simmons faces a choice: accept a low-cost deal to prove his worth or retire, as Bondy suggests. At 29, his 6.1 defensive box plus-minus and elite passing still offer value, but his 57.7% free-throw shooting and injury concerns deter suitors.
Facebook posts reflect sympathy and skepticism, with fans sharing highlights of Simmons’ 2018-20 prime (16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists) alongside comments like, “He’s still got it, but he needs to take the minimum and play!” His potential retirement sparks broader discussions about mental health and pressure in the NBA, with users comparing him to players like Andrew Wiggins, who rebounded from early struggles. Simmons’ story, juxtaposed with Boston’s near-signing, underscores the fine line between redemption and irrelevance in professional sports.
Why This Story Resonates
The Celtics’ flirtation with Simmons captivates fans because it blends intrigue, risk, and what-if scenarios. On Facebook, users share Stein’s report and Forsberg’s analysis, debating whether Simmons could have revived his career in Boston’s system. The story taps into universal themes: redemption, the volatility of stardom, and the strategic chess game of NBA roster-building. Images of Simmons’ Nets highlights alongside Boucher’s Raptors dunks fuel viral discussions, with fans split between dreaming of Simmons’ potential and praising Boston’s caution. For Celtics fans, it’s a glimpse into their front office’s bold thinking; for Simmons’ supporters, it’s a reminder of his fading legacy. The saga’s viral spread reflects its power to spark debate about talent, opportunity, and second chances.
The Boston Celtics’ near-signing of Ben Simmons in 2025 reveals their willingness to take risks to bolster a championship roster, only to pivot to the safer Chris Boucher. Marc Stein’s report, amplified on Facebook, highlights Simmons’ allure as a versatile playmaker and the reality of his shrinking market, with the Knicks’ rejected offer and retirement rumors signaling a career at a crossroads. Boston’s strategic shift underscores their focus on stability amid major roster changes, while Simmons’ story raises questions about redemption in the NBA. As the Celtics gear up for 2025-26, this near-miss fuels debate about what could have been. Share your thoughts—did Boston dodge a bullet, or should they have taken the Simmons swing?