The news
Australian forward Ben Simmons is on the verge of completing a “buyout” of the final season of his $170 million, five-year deal signed in 2019.
The embattled playmaker forced a trade from Philadelphia 76ers to Brooklyn Nets in 2022. But nerve damage in his lower back has left him a shadow of the burgeoning star he was when he signed the deal.
Ben Simmons is set to head to a third NBA club.Credit: Photos: Getty Images. Artwork: Stephen Kiprillis
Nets coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed Simmons was away from the side and wouldn’t return, as Brooklyn and Simmons’ agent complete an exit in which he will accept a little less than the $US40 million ($64 million) he was due to earn this season.
In return, he will be a free agent and able to join a side chasing the NBA title, with ESPN reporting that Simmons was expected to meet with Cleveland Cavaliers and the LA Clippers. The Houston Rockets were also linked with Simmons.
Whoever he joins, Simmons will receive a pro rata deal for the remaining 30 or so games of the 2024-25 season and, possibly, a play-off run after that should his new side be in contention.
Fans fume
Whether it was psychological issues around the pressure of his contract, the impact of his ongoing back injuries, which have required multiple surgeries, or a combination of both, Simmons, who was the No.1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, has not lived up to expectations. He was traded by the 76ers for James Harden in 2022.
At the time, both players respectively wanted out of the Sixers and Nets. Funnily enough, they could end up playing together with the Clippers should Simmons head to LA.
Many Australian fans remain disappointed Simmons has not been able to suit up for the Boomers since his debut as a teenager in 2013, having variously cited off-season plans, injuries or a desire to train and work on his skills.
After the buyout news broke, NBA fans took to social media on Saturday to vent their frustrations, questioning his toughness, injuries and his lack of shooting improvement.
Some of the hot takes were amusing, but many were cruel or toxic. Nets fans have reason to be disappointed as they never got Simmons at his best and as a result, his name has gone from being a three-time All-Star to a punchline.
He suited up for 90 games over his 3½ seasons at the Nets (each season consists of 82 games, plus play-offs) and was rarely at full health or top form.
Fernandez praised Simmons for getting back on court after his latest back surgery.
“I know that not playing for a season and then limited games another season and now fighting his way back, playing I think it was a little over 20 minutes or mid-20s,” said Fernandez, in his first season with the Nets.
Ben Simmons has struggled with injury during his time in Brooklyn.Credit: AP
“So that’s pretty good. Really good to see that after going through a surgery, now being back playing basketball.”
Simmons is averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 assists from 33 games this season.
Where could he fit?
The Clippers would provide Simmons with a return to LA, where he has spent a lot of time when out of season.
He would also get to team up with fellow Australian Patty Mills once more after Mills was recently traded to the Clippers. Harden is in stellar form and Kawhi Leonard is fast regaining his best touch for a rapidly improving team.
Cleveland are arguably the best defensive team in the NBA currently, and shape as Boston’s toughest opponent in the eastern conference.
Houston, meanwhile, are a young but improving team who have surprised with their rise in the western conference. Australian centre Jock Landale also comes off the bench for the Rockets.
Wherever he lands, Simmons will do so without the pressure of a max contract and with far less expectation, playing a role off the bench, likely as a playmaker for the second unit or a mismatch for small guards or slow forwards.
The NBA loves a redemption story and embattled stars like Ron Artest (also known as Metta World Peace) and Lamar Odom have rebuilt reputations by playing a role in a championship win.
If Simmons can do this, it wouldn’t make up for those lost years, but it would be one hell of a comeback.
