DEAL SEALED! After turning down a minimum contract offer from the New York Knicks, Ben Simmons has officially agreed to a three-year, $59.6 million deal with the Boston Celtics
The NBA offseason has once again delivered a blockbuster surprise. After months of speculation about his future and lingering doubts about his long-term role in the league, Ben Simmons has officially found a new home
. The 28-year-old Australian guard/forward has signed a three-year, $59.6 million deal with the Boston Celtics, ending weeks of rumors and securing a fresh chapter with one of the most storied franchises in basketball history.
This signing comes after Simmons reportedly rejected a minimum contract offer from the New York Knicks, a move that raised eyebrows across the basketball world. Many assumed Simmons, after his recent struggles with form and fitness, would be forced to accept a smaller deal to prove his worth. Instead, the Celtics front office stepped in with a bold show of faith, offering him not only financial security but also a chance to revive his career on a championship-contending team.
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The Background: Simmons’ Tumultuous Journey
Ben Simmons entered the NBA in 2016 as the No. 1 overall pick, hailed as a generational talent with elite size, vision, and defensive instincts. Early in his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons lived up to much of the hype. He earned three All-Star selections, made multiple All-Defensive teams, and was even named the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
However, his career took a dramatic downturn after the infamous 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, when his reluctance to shoot — particularly the widely criticized passed-up layup — became a turning point. Tensions with the 76ers front office and teammates escalated, leading to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
In Brooklyn, Simmons struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and questions about his confidence. His averages dropped significantly, and he often found himself sidelined due to back and knee issues. By the end of the 2024–25 season, Simmons had become a polarizing figure — a player with undeniable talent and defensive prowess, but whose offensive limitations and availability were under intense scrutiny.
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Why the Celtics Took the Risk
For Boston, the signing of Simmons is both a gamble and a calculated move. The Celtics are coming off a crushing playoff exit at the hands of the New York Knicks, falling short of their championship aspirations. Despite having stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team lacked depth in playmaking and struggled with defensive consistency, especially when facing elite backcourts.
Enter Simmons.
At 6’10”, Simmons brings a rare combination of size, ball-handling, and defensive versatility. When healthy and confident, he can guard all five positions, push the pace in transition, and create open looks for teammates. Boston’s offense, often criticized for being too reliant on isolation plays, could benefit from Simmons’ natural ability as a facilitator.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, reportedly sees Simmons as a “high-upside reclamation project” — a player who, if reinvigorated in the right system, could elevate Boston back to the NBA Finals.
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What Simmons Brings to Boston
1. Elite Defense
Simmons is still regarded as one of the league’s premier defenders. His ability to lock down guards on the perimeter or switch onto bigs in the paint gives Boston more flexibility, especially in playoff matchups.
2. Playmaking Vision
Despite his offensive struggles, Simmons remains an exceptional passer. Surrounded by scorers like Brown, Tatum, and Kristaps Porziņģis, Simmons could thrive as a secondary playmaker, taking pressure off Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.
3. Transition Game
Few players in the league push the ball in transition like Simmons. His ability to grab rebounds and immediately create fast-break opportunities will give Boston another weapon against slower defenses.
4. Positional Flexibility
Simmons can slot in at point guard, forward, or even as a small-ball center. For a team like Boston that values lineup versatility, his presence adds another layer of tactical options.
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The Concerns
Of course, this move is not without risk. Simmons’ injury history is the biggest concern. Over the past three seasons, he has missed more than half of his games. Boston’s medical staff will be under pressure to manage his workload and ensure he’s available for the postseason.
Offensively, Simmons’ reluctance to shoot — particularly from beyond the arc — remains a glaring weakness. While Boston has enough perimeter firepower to mask this, opponents may exploit his hesitancy in half-court settings. For Simmons, rebuilding his confidence and willingness to attack the rim will be critical.
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Why Simmons Chose Boston Over New York
Simmons’ rejection of the Knicks’ minimum offer speaks volumes. The Knicks, despite knocking out the Celtics in the 2025 playoffs, presented Simmons with a far less lucrative opportunity. Boston, on the other hand, offered both a larger contract and a more defined role within their rotation.
Additionally, Boston’s championship pedigree and established stars make it an attractive landing spot. Simmons is joining a team built to contend, rather than a franchise still trying to climb the ladder. For a player eager to rewrite his narrative, the Celtics provide the perfect stage.
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Fan and Media Reaction
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the NBA landscape. Celtics fans are cautiously optimistic, with some praising Stevens for making a bold, forward-thinking move, while others worry that Simmons could become an expensive liability if his injuries persist.
NBA analysts are divided as well. Some believe this could be one of the smartest reclamation projects in recent memory — similar to when the Golden State Warriors revived Andrew Wiggins’ career. Others argue Boston is overpaying for a player whose best days may be behind him.
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Looking Ahead: Simmons’ Role in 2025–26
If Simmons can stay healthy and buy into Boston’s system, the Celtics could field one of the most defensively dominant lineups in recent memory. A potential starting five of Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Ben Simmons, and Kristaps Porziņģis would be a nightmare for opposing offenses, with length, athleticism, and switchability across the board.
Off the bench, Simmons could also anchor second units, giving Boston steady playmaking when Tatum or Brown rests. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will have the challenge of maximizing Simmons’ strengths while hiding his weaknesses — a task that could define the Celtics’ upcoming season.
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Conclusion
Ben Simmons’ signing with the Boston Celtics is more than just a contract — it’s a story of redemption, risk, and opportunity. By turning down the Knicks’ minimum offer and betting on himself, Simmons has landed in a situation that could redefine his legacy. For Boston, the $59.6 million gamble signals their determination to break through the Eastern Conference and reclaim championship glory.
The NBA world will watch closely to see if Simmons can silence the doubters, stay healthy, and help Boston return to the mountaintop. One thing is certain: this deal has set the stage for one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025–26 season.