Report: Celtics engaged in talks with 76ers for Simmons

The Boston Celtics have engaged in trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers for point guard Ben Simmons, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports.

Simmons remained away from the team throughout training camp and the preseason before reportedly telling the 76ers last month he's not yet mentally ready to suit up. There's no timeline for when Simmons will make his season debut.

Conversations between the Celtics and 76ers haven't gained traction to this point, but star wing Jaylen Brown would have to be included in any potential deal, according to Charania. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey previously said he wouldn't rush to trade Simmons and desires a difference-maker as part of the return.

Brown made his first All-Star appearance last season. The 25-year-old is averaging a career-high 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals through eight appearances, though he's sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The Celtics own a 4-6 record this season, and disagreements between the team's core players have dominated headlines after Marcus Smart called out both Jayson Tatum and Brown for being unwilling passers.

Philadelphia has played well to begin the season despite the absence of Simmons and a number of other key rotation pieces, getting out to an Eastern Conference-best 8-2 start.