The Boston Celtics have made a slow start to the 2021 season and might have seemingly maxed out their potential with their current core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Boston side has “engaged in conversations” with the Philadelphia 76ers about trading for disgruntled point guard Ben Simmons, according to US media reports.

The star point guard has been long attempting to force a move away from Philadelphia and the Celtics might finally answer his call, The Athletic reported. 

However, according to the report, the discussions between the Celtics and 76ers are “fluid with no traction as of yet,” suggesting a deal is far from imminent.

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“Any potential Simmons deal with the Celtics would have to include All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, an ascending talent who is in the midst of another career season, averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists,” the report read.

Earlier in September, the 25-year-old star player told the managing authorities of the Sixers that he will not wear an NBA jersey again unless he is traded to another team. Since then he has tried to pull all kinds of strings to force a move out of the Sixers, including not turning up for the preseason.

Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over four seasons with Philadelphia, which drafted him number one in 2016 out of LSU, where he played only one season.

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But his on-field exploits last season hasn’t helped him either. Simmons shot 34% from the free-throw line in the postseason and was reluctant to attempt a shot from anywhere on the floor late in games. That led to him spending critical minutes on the bench.

Meanwhile, Tatum is the better overall scorer, Brown has been the better player so far this season, but the Celtics haven’t benefitted much from their talents as a team.