The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in Ben Simmons, who remains on the trade block. A deal isn’t likely to be reached, however, unless the Philadelphia 76ers lower their lofty asking price.

A trade sending Simmons to Boston would have to include Jaylen Brown, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports. The rival teams have held talks about Simmons, according to the report, though no agreement is close.

Simmons asked to be traded in the summer and doesn’t appear any closer to suiting up for the 76ers. The 25-year-old has told Philadelphia that he is still not mentally ready to play.

With three straight trips to the All-Star Game and back-to-back selections on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, Simmons was one of the league’s most valuable assets earlier this year. Simmons’ trade value plummeted following another poor playoff showing coupled with his refusal to play for Philadelphia.

Off to an 8-2 start with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers are in no rush to sell low on Simmons. Boston has been a disappointment with a 4-6 record, following last season’s first-round playoff exit.

Frustrations seemingly reached a boiling point in the Celtics’ locker room last week. Boston had a players-only meeting after Marcus Smart called out Brown and Jayson Tatum for not passing the ball enough.

The Celtics won two straight games following the meeting, before losing to the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night on a Luka Doncic buzzer-beater.

Trading Brown for Simmons is not the answer to Boston's problems. Brown has been Boston’s best player, leading the team with 25.6 points per game on 49.3% shooting.

Brown made his first All-Star appearance last season. He has three years and $86 million left on his contract.

Ben Simmons Jaylen Brown 76ers Celtics
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. Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
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