Boston Celtics: 2 multi-team Ben Simmons deals that keep Jaylen Brown in Beantown

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Giving up Marcus Smart and Robert Williams instead of Jaylen Brown was first brought up by Bleacher Report. It’s a much preferable option to sending away the second best player on the team with a player who has been so prone to drama throughout his five seasons in the NBA.

Simmons could move to the power forward spot with Al Horford moving to center and Dennis Schroder starting at the 1, or he could occupy the floor general spot while the Cs promote one of their many wings to the starting five.

Then again, perhaps Dwight Howard could be an option in the middle as well, replacing the rebounding and defensive presence of the Time Lord.

Are any of the aforementioned scenarios better than their current lineup? They just might be.

Why the Philadelphia 76ers do it

Russell Westbrook would simply be an 1:1 addition to the Sixers lineup with Ben Simmons as the only outgoing piece. If he doesn’t work out in the City of Brotherly Love, they could look to move his $47 million expiring deal in the offseason.

After Andre Drummond successfully onboarded alongside Joel Embiid, perhaps adding another of the Philly All-Star big man’s enemies could further spark the 76ers’ success.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers do it

Marcus Smart and Robert Williams is a starting lineup upgrade over Russell Westbrook and DeAndre Jordan, especially on a Westbrook off-night, of which there has been plenty so far in purple and gold.

Smart and Williams would be viable complementary long-term options alongside the LeBron James-Anthony Davis duo. Plus, if there are any lingering negative feelings after the Davis-Dwight Howard sideline squabble from earlier this season, this solves it.