The Celtics are clearly feeling the effects of their summer subtractions, but there's a reason they didn't have a fire sale. As soon as Tatum gets back on the court, they have a great chance to rejoin the East's elite. It could make sense to address their interior deficiencies before that happens. Because as good as the Tatum - Brown - DWhite trio is, even it can't overcome such an underwhelming group of centers.

Claxton could immediately address that problem. His above-the-rim finishing and underrated playmaking would be assets in this offense, and his ability to both protect the paint and survive perimeter switches could make the Celtics the proverbial immovable object again.

The Nets, who are as future-focused as anyone, should have two clear goals for the season: developing their young talent and converting their established players into roster-building assets. This deal might accomplish a little of both - assuming they see the 26-year-old Simons as being young enough to keep around. Maybe the prospect of paying him next summer is more attractive than ironing out a new deal with Cam Thomas, who's only two years younger.

In all honesty, though, Simons would be either an added bonus or merely salary-filler to fetch the real prize: that incoming first-round pick. Even if it lands later in the round, the Nets need as many throws at the draft dart board as they can get.