Ben Simmons’ Disastrous Nets Tenure Ends as Brooklyn Finalizes Buyout Deal

Ben Simmons was decided to show his doubters mistaken about what he might do with the Brooklyn Nets. Apparently, it is “all talk and no action” in any respect—and the most recent buyout verdict from the staff summed all of it up.

Years of accidents, inconsistency, and unmet expectations have lastly sealed the deal in Net’s final act. They have reportedly struck a buyout settlement to make means for this member of what’s arguably probably the most disappointing acquisition in franchise historical past.

The Long Road to an Inevitable Buyout

For years, Simmons’ future with the Nets was unsure. The 2023 season noticed him sidelined attributable to a nerve impingement in his again, and historical past repeated itself in 2024. Despite hopes of a resurgence, his accidents proved an excessive amount of to beat.

It was confirmed on Friday that Simmons was absent from the Nets and would miss the sport towards the Miami Heat. The New York Post stated that a number of experiences confirmed he was already speaking to playoff groups, together with Cavaliers, Rockets, and Clippers who wished to speak to him as soon as he was waived.

A Gamble That Turned Costly

Simmons will go away the staff after the tip of a five-year, $177.2 million contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets traded for him in 2022 as a part of the blockbuster deal that despatched James Harden to Philly, however accidents and disappointing performances marked his time in Brooklyn.

Simmons performed solely 57 of 191 doable video games over two and a half seasons, which price the Nets about $86.3 million. That is about $1.5 million per recreation performed. He additionally missed all eight of the staff’s playoff video games throughout that interval.

Simmons’ Last Season: A Flicker of Hope, however Too Little, Too Late

Simmons performed in 33 of the staff’s 51 video games this season, and he flashed glimpses of his previous playmaking. He averaged 6.2 factors, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per recreation as he shared ball-handling duties with Dennis Schroder and later De’Angelo Russell after the staff reshuffled its roster.

These however, his efficiency by no means fairly made his large paychecks worthwhile. With the Nets in a rebuild, Simmons was extra of a expensive legal responsibility than an asset.

Cam Johnson, Nets ahead, was sympathetic towards Simmons, admitting it is powerful to come back again from lengthy stretches away from the court docket.

“Injuries are always tough,” Johnson stated. “Trying to play when you miss that much time doesn’t come back easily. I’ve missed stretches of time, and when you get back, the game feels completely different.”

Simmons was meant to be the antidote to the Big 3 breakup, with James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant leaving the staff in fast succession. However, he by no means got here near being the cornerstone participant that the staff was anticipating.

Even his preseason comeback was a flop. Some followers thought that Brooklyn weren’t successful 20 video games. All eyes have been on Simmons at the moment to spell out their disappointment by memes.

What’s Next for Ben Simmons?

Despite his troubles in Brooklyn, Simmons can nonetheless get a roster spot on a playoff contender. His defensive versatility and playmaking abilities are helpful belongings if he can keep wholesome.

Simmons will transfer ahead as a free agent as AP News experiences. If one of many three groups: Cavaliers, Rockets, and Clippers determined to recruit him, a recent begin would possibly rekindle his profession.

The Nets need to half methods with Simmons as part of rebuilding the staff. While the Nets did not make large strikes through the commerce deadline, the buyout could be the largest transfer of the season.