Boston Celtics: Pros and cons of a Brown/Hayward for Ben Simmons swap

Boston Celtics: Pros and cons of a Jaylen Brown/Gordon Hayward for Ben Simmons swap

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers is defended by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics in the first half at TD Garden on February 1, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Pros

The most obvious benefit of adding Simmons to the lineup would be adding a secondary playmaker in the starting lineup. As it stands, the Boston Celtics rotation as a whole lacks distributors, with Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart neck and neck as the team leaders at just under five dimes per game.

As previously mentioned, Simmons has averaged eight assists per game in his career playing alongside the likes of Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. He has never played with knockdown 3-point shooters like Walker and Tatum, though he did spend a season with Robert Covington in the 76ers lineup.

Not only would Simmons be joining a team that features another rookie from the 2017-18 season to grow with in Tatum, but he’d be joining a C’s team that is better suited for his abilities. Oh, and he’d be playing under the most talented coach he’s ever had in Brad Stevens.

The main draw in a Simmons deal is unlocking his potential even more than Brett Brown has in Philadelphia. Even on an awkwardly built Philadelphia roster, Simmons has twice been named an NBA All-Star.

Building around Tatum and Simmons long-term could eventually help recruit fellow free agents from their rookie class, and eventually, Simmons could be the answer at point guard when Walker leaves his prime and/or the Celtics.

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