The Ben Simmons era in Brooklyn has officially come to an end. After an underwhelming stint with the Brooklyn Nets, the former All-Star has agreed to a buyout and is set to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the season, as per Senior ESPN Insider Shams Charania.
This move presents Simmons with a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild his reputation in the league while contributing to a playoff-contending team.
When the Nets traded for Ben Simmons in 2022, they envisioned him as a defensive anchor and playmaking force to complement Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But, things never panned out as expected. Simmons struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and confidence issues, playing only 90 games in three seasons.
His overall numbers with the Nets were 6.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game, making $86.3 million in the process.
This season, Simmons showed brief flashes of his old self but was still far from his peak form. He averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 54.7% from the field. More importantly, he managed to play in 33 games, marking his most active season in years. However, the Nets ultimately decided to move on, leading to the buyout agreement.
The Los Angeles Clippers are taking a low-risk, high-reward approach by signing Simmons. After a 28-23 start to the season, the Clippers are fighting for a top-six seed in the Western Conference. While their defense has been elite, their offense has struggled at times, leading them to acquire Bogdan Bogdanovic at the trade deadline.
At this point, expectations for Simmons need to change. He may never return to All-Star form, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute to a winning team.
For Simmons, this Clippers opportunity is about redemption. If he can prove he can be a valuable bench piece for a playoff team, it could open up new opportunities in free agency.
The Clippers are not expecting Simmons to be a scorer—instead, they want him to defend, rebound, and facilitate. With lower expectations and less pressure, Simmons could thrive in a specialized role.
This buyout and subsequent signing could be a win-win for both sides. The Clippers add a defensive-minded facilitator, and Simmons gets a fresh start in a competitive environment. While his time in Brooklyn ended in disappointment, his time in Los Angeles could reshape the narrative of his career.
Now, the question remains—can Ben Simmons make the most of this opportunity? The final stretch of the season will provide the answer.
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