The Brooklyn Nets have waived Ben Simmons after agreeing to a buyout deal with the last remaining link to their failed era of building around All-Stars. Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, will now sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for the rest of the season.
Simmons played 33 games for the Nets this season, averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 assists, despite struggling with injuries, particularly lower back nerve damage. The team had hoped he would be able to contribute more after acquiring him in a trade for James Harden in 2022.
The move comes as Simmons will become a free agent afterward, making $40 million this season. Clippers president of basketball operation Lawrence Frank expressed his team’s optimism about addressing additional needs through the buyout market.
Coach Jordi Fernandez praised Simmons before a recent game for working through injuries that limited his effectiveness with the Nets. Despite the struggles, Simmons’ return to the court was seen as a positive sign after he came back from surgery and started playing more games.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/ben-simmons-contract-buyout-brooklyn-nets