The status of Ben Simmons has been a consistent talking point around the Brooklyn Nets since he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline. Simmons, who has yet to suit up in a game this season, has remained without a timetable for his return and hasn't been able to do much at practice. Until Tuesday. Nets head coach Steve Nash provided the most positive update yet on Simmons ahead of Game 2 of the Nets' NBA Playoff first round series against the Boston Celtics, as reported by Steve Popper of Newsday.

Per Popper, Nash said that Simmons has been cleared for contact and that he played four-on-four on Monday. This is certainly significant, as Nash had nothing notable to report on the Simmons front for the last couple of weeks.

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While the Nets star remains without a timetable, there should now be even more hope that his return is around the corner in the NBA Playoffs.

While Simmons could have a fair amount of rust, his defensive ability would be a huge boost to a team facing the Celtics, who possess two of the best wing players in the league in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

With Simmons now pain-free and able to take contact at practice, the next step seems to be his conditioning. It's the most positive update yet on the Nets guard.