'Buy-out' Ben Simmons to sign with LA Clippers

• In-depth analysis: The Ballard of Ben Simmons
• Three teams emerge as potential landing spots for Simmons
• Simmons played just 90 games for the Nets

Ben Simmons' tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets has come to an unceremonious end, as the NBA franchise finalises a buyout agreement with the embattled Australian point guard.

This development marks a new chapter in 28-year-old Simmons' career, one that has been marred by injuries, inconsistency, and unfulfilled potential.

He will meet with the Los Angeles Clippers and and Cleveland Cavaliers today.

ESPN is reporting Simmons intends to reunite with James Harden at the Los Angeles Clippers once he clears waivers.

As the basketball world digests this latest twist in the Simmons saga, we delve into the implications of his buyout and explore the potential landing spots for the 28-year-old Australian.

When Ben Simmons arrived in Brooklyn as part of the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to Philadelphia, hopes were high that he could reinvigorate his career and form a formidable partnership with Kevin Durant and Australian-born Kyrie Irving.

However, the reality proved far different. Over his two-plus years with the Nets, Simmons missed a staggering 207 out of 297 possible games, battling various injuries and mental health challenges.

This season, Simmons' role diminished significantly. In 33 games, including 24 starts, he averaged just 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. These numbers are a far cry from the All-Star calibre performances that once defined his career in Philadelphia.

The Nets' decision to pursue a buyout speaks volumes about their assessment of Simmons' value to the team and his potential for future contributions.

The Buyout Process and Implications

A buyout involves a mutual agreement between a player and team to terminate their contract, with the player typically forgiving a portion of their remaining salary. For Simmons, who was in the final year of a five-year, $177.2 million contract, this decision carries significant financial implications.

At the start of the season, a buyout seemed unlikely given the substantial sum Simmons stood to lose. However, the Nets' shift towards rebuilding and Simmons' reduced role have apparently altered the calculus for both parties.

For Simmons, the opportunity to join a contender and potentially revive his career may outweigh the financial considerations.

It's worth noting that due to the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams above the first apron ($178.1 million) are prohibited from signing buyout players whose original 2024-25 salaries exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12.8 million.

This rule eliminates several potential suitors, including the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA champion Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns.

Potential Landing Spots

As Simmons enters free agency, several teams have emerged as potential destinations. Let's examine the most prominent options:

1. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers present an intriguing opportunity for Simmons. Having just traded away Kevin Porter Jr., their primary playmaker off the bench, the Clippers could benefit from Simmons' playmaking abilities. Head coach Ty Lue is known for his creative line-ups, and Simmons' versatility could allow for interesting small-ball configurations.

However, the Clippers' three-point shooting statistics raise some concerns. While they convert at a league-average 35.8% clip, they attempt only 33.8 threes per game, ranking 29th in the NBA. Simmons' well-documented shooting limitations could exacerbate this issue, necessitating careful management of his minutes and line-up pairings.

Joining the Clippers would reunite Simmons with fellow Australian Patty Mills and former Nets teammate James Harden. This familiarity could ease his transition and potentially provide a supportive environment for Simmons to rediscover his form.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers, leading the Eastern Conference, made a significant move at the trade deadline by acquiring De'Andre Hunter. This trade not only bolstered their roster but also put them under the first apron, allowing them to pursue buyout candidates such as Simmons.

Cleveland's primary focus may be on adding a traditional big man to provide depth behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, Simmons could offer an intriguing option as a backup point centre. The Cavaliers play at the eighth-fastest pace in the NBA, a style that could suit Simmons' transition game and playmaking abilities.

Questions persist about Simmons' fit in a winning culture. However, the Cavaliers' strong leadership and team culture could provide the structure Simmons needs to thrive. If successful, it would be a remarkable turnaround for a player who reportedly considered retirement just last summer.

3. Houston Rockets

The Rockets present an interesting, if somewhat puzzling, option for Simmons. Houston ranks third-worst in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, which could make spacing an issue with Simmons on the floor. However, the recent ankle injury to Fred VanVleet has created a need for additional playmaking and ball-handling.

While Simmons and VanVleet are vastly different players, Simmons could help fill the playmaking void in VanVleet's absence. Moreover, his defensive versatility could be an asset to a Rockets team that already boasts the fourth-best defensive rating in the league. He would join Australian Boomers centre Jock Landale and Rockets two-way player Jack McVeigh.

The Rockets' interest in Simmons likely stems from a desire to add talent and experience to a young, developing roster. For Simmons, Houston could offer substantial playing time and a lower-pressure environment to rebuild his value.

Analysing Simmons' 2024-25 Performance

To better understand what Simmons might bring to a new team, let's examine his performance in his final games with the Nets:

• In his last two appearances in February, Simmons averaged 21 minutes per game, contributing three points, five rebounds, and five assists. His field goal percentage stood at 33.3%, attempting 4.5 shots per game.
• January saw slightly better numbers, with averages of 25.8 minutes, 7.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists across six games. His field goal percentage rose to 55%, though he still avoided three-point attempts entirely.
• December marked Simmons' most productive month of the season. During 10 games, he averaged 25.3 minutes, 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. His field goal percentage remained solid at 51%.

These statistics paint a picture of a player still capable of contributing in multiple areas, particularly as a facilitator and rebounder. However, his scoring output and shooting volume remain concerningly low for a former first overall pick and three-time All-Star.

The Road Ahead

As Ben Simmons prepares to join a new team, the basketball world watches with a mix of curiosity and scepticism. Can he rediscover the form that once made him one of the NBA's most promising young stars? Or has his struggle with injuries and confidence irreparably altered his trajectory?

For whichever team takes a chance on Simmons, the risk is relatively low. A minimum contract for a player with All-Star potential could prove to be a bargain if Simmons can regain even a fraction of his former effectiveness. However, the mental hurdles he faces cannot be understated.

Simmons will need to rebuild not only his physical capabilities but also his confidence and reputation within the league.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Simmons as he meets with potential suitors and weighs his options. For a player who once seemed destined for superstardom, this represents perhaps his last best chance to rewrite the narrative of his career.

Whether he lands with the Clippers, Cavaliers, Rockets, or another team altogether, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if Ben Simmons can finally unlock the potential that has tantalised fans and frustrated coaches for years.

As the NBA season enters its crucial final months, the addition of a motivated and rejuvenated Ben Simmons could prove to be a game-changer for a contending team.

Only time will tell if this latest chapter in Simmons' career will be one of redemption or further disappointment.