The Boston Celtics have arguably been the busiest team in the NBA this summer. Faced with a financial cliff, the Celtics took measures to shed significant salary and save themselves from salary cap hell. Naturally, they had to sacrifice a ton of talent in the process. With Jayson Tatum set to miss the entire season with an Achilles injury, it's safe to expect the Celtics to take a step back in the 2025-26 season.
That doesn't mean, however, that the Celtics shouldn't make moves to be as competitive and relevant as possible next season. With Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons still on the roster, the Celtics are not going to be tanking. So, trying to put a competitive team out there that will try to make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference makes sense.
That is why GM Brad Stevens would be wise to trim the crowded yet limited center rotation to make room for Ben Simmons, who remains unsigned in free agency.
Celtics Must Move on from Xavier Tillman to Sign Ben Simmons
The Celtics currently have 14 players on guaranteed contracts on the roster after the Chris Boucher signing. They also have Max Shulga, Miles Norris, and Reggie Luis Jr. signed to two-way contracts, and rookie Amari Williams is still not signed. Assuming that Boston wants to have a cheap contributor on the back end of the roster, they will sign one of these players to a minimum guaranteed deal, leaving no room for Simmons.
Xavier Tillman Sr. could be the odd man out on the roster. The Celtics brought in Luka Garza and Boucher, and Neemias Queta is expected to play a role next season. With rookie center Amari Williams also in the fold, there isn't room for Tillman in the rotation. The 26-year-old versatile big man only makes $2.5 million for next season, making him an easily movable contract. Even though he is a limited offensive player, the former Grizzlies center has enough defensive talent to get a look elsewhere in the NBA.
For the open roster spot, Simmons is the ideal fit. His defensive versatility and switchability are exactly what Joe Mazzulla looks for on that end of the floor. He can guard power forwards and centers, making him an intriguing option for a team bereft of high-end frontcourt talent. Offensively, he is not the easiest fit, but surround him with enough shooters like Pritchard, Simons, White, and Sam Hauser, and Simmons can be an effective ballhandler in limited spurts.
A one-year team-friendly deal for Simmons in a transition season with no championship aspirations would be a worthy move for the Celtics.