Ben Simmons joins Clippers after Brooklyn buyout

Ben Simmons is set to make a fresh start with the Los Angeles Clippers after reaching a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, officially ending his disappointing three-year tenure in New York.

The Australian NBA star struggled with injuries and inconsistency, playing just 90 games for the Nets since arriving in a blockbuster trade for James Harden in 2022.

The Nets placed Simmons on waivers on Sunday (AEDT), and while he won’t clear until Monday at 5pm, reports from ESPN indicate he intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The top online bookmakers have the Clippers at $34 to win the 2024-25 NBA Championship, while the rebuilding Nets are priced at $1,001.

The move would see him reunite with Harden, who forced his way out of Brooklyn and landed in Los Angeles in November.

Simmons’ time with the Nets was marred by persistent back injuries, including herniated discs that required multiple surgeries.

Despite glimpses of his former self, including 33 appearances this season averaging 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, he never found sustained success in Brooklyn.

His agent, Bernie Lee, acknowledged the challenges Simmons faced but praised the Nets for their handling of the situation.

“Like all things with Brooklyn during Ben’s time there, this was handled with the utmost support and class from Sean Marks, the staff, and ownership,” Lee told the New York Post.

A buyout seemed unlikely earlier in the season, with Simmons owed $40.3 million on the final year of his contract.

However, the two sides ultimately reached an agreement, allowing the Nets to free up a roster spot and some salary cap flexibility.

The Clippers, who are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, could utilise Simmons as a versatile defender and secondary playmaker alongside Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.

However, the road back to relevance will not be easy for the 27-year-old, who has yet to reclaim his All-Star form since leaving Philadelphia.

If the move to Los Angeles is finalised, Simmons will return to Barclays Center on March 29, where he could receive a frosty reception from Brooklyn fans.

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