Ben Simmons Waived by Nets After Team and Former No. 1 Pick Agree to Buyout
Ben Simmons Waived by Brooklyn Nets
Ben Simmons was waived by the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday after the team agreed to a buyout with the last remaining link to a failed era of building around All-Stars.
No. 1 Pick in the 2016 Draft
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft was not with the Nets for their victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night as the sides worked on completing the deal.
Coach Jordi Fernandez Praises Simmons
Coach Jordi Fernandez praised Simmons before the game for working his way back from a series of injuries that caused such an ineffective time in Brooklyn.
“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. “So that’s pretty good. Really good to see that after going through a surgery, now being back playing basketball.”
Failed Era of Building Around All-Stars
But it’s far less than the Nets hoped when they acquired the three-time All-Star in a trade for James Harden at the 2022 trade deadline. He was never able to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the court that season after hurting his back trying to work his way back into shape after sitting out the first half of that season in Philadelphia.
Injury Problems Continue to Limit Simmons
The injury problems, mostly due to lower back nerve damage, continued to limit Simmons. He made it through just half of the 2022-23 season, during which Durant and Irving were both traded, and played only 15 games last season.
Current Season
Simmons played in 33 of the Nets’ 52 games this season, starting 24, and averaged 6.2 points and 6.9 assists.
Intends to Sign with Los Angeles Clippers
Simmons is making $40 million this season and would be a free agent afterward. ESPN reported that he intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for the rest of this season.
Clippers President of Basketball Operations
Clippers president of basketball operation Lawrence Frank said before Saturday night’s game against the Utah Jazz that his team still had a couple moves to make, but did not mention Simmons since he hasn’t cleared waivers.
“We’ve been fortunate in the buyout market. You look at Nico (Batum), Reggie Jackson and Russ (Russell Westbrook), those guys had a huge impact,” Frank said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve always been a destination for buyout guys. Guys love playing for (coach Tyronn Lue), they’ve fallen in love with the franchise. So we’ll look at the buyout market and see how we can address some additional needs that we have.”
Conclusion
The buyout marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Simmons’ career with the Nets. Despite his potential, he was unable to overcome his injury issues and live up to expectations.
FAQs
* What is the reason for Ben Simmons’ buyout by the Brooklyn Nets?
+ The team agreed to a buyout with Simmons due to his continued injury issues and inability to live up to expectations.
* What is Ben Simmons’ current plan?
+ Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for the rest of this season.
* How many games did Ben Simmons play for the Brooklyn Nets this season?
+ Simmons played in 33 of the Nets’ 52 games this season.
* What are the Clippers’ plans after the buyout?
+ The Clippers will look at the buyout market to address some additional needs and make a couple of moves before the trade deadline.
