Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets finalizing contract buyout

After three seasons spent with the Nets, Ben Simmons will be leaving Brooklyn.

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Simmons and the Nets have agreed on a buyout from his contract that will make him a free agent. This comes after the franchise was unable to potentially trade him at the league’s deadline yesterday.

Ben Simmons is finalizing a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets to become a free agent, sources tell me and @WindhorstESPN. Simmons will meet with the Cavaliers and Clippers starting Friday as he decides his next home. pic.twitter.com/guz2MhmJ5A

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2025

With that, three franchises are reportedly now considering signing Simmons in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers. Charania noted the Cavaliers and Clippers in his reporting while Chris Haynes also added the Rockets into that mix.

That decision will be considered starting this weekend with teams meeting as early as today with Simmons.

In 33 appearances this season with Brooklyn, Simmons posted 6.2 points (54.7% FG), 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Include the 57 games the pair of years prior and Simmons averaged 6.5 points (56.2% FG), 6.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and a steal.

All that, though, has been part of a career decline for Simmons since 2021. He, although dealing with injuries early in his career, averaged 15.9 points (56% FG), 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals through four seasons played, five in total, with the Philadelphia 76ers. That made him, the former No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, a two-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year in 2018 while also earning votes for Defensive Player of the Year and at least some consideration for MVP.

However, Simmons then sat out for all of ’21-’22 amidst a trade request from out of Philly. He was also dealing with physical issues, specifically his knee and back, at the time while also citing problems with his mental health. After holding out, Simmons was then part of a deal to the Nets in exchange for James Harden almost three years ago.

Now, of his options, Simmons could be joining possible contenders in the NBA. Cleveland is the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a current record of 41-10 while Houston is the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference at 32-19. Los Angeles is then sitting in the Play-In Tournament as of now at 28-23 but very much in contention to be in the postseason.

Simmons’ career has taken a turn over the course of the 2020s. This could now be a chance for him to revive it again to some extent, though, with a third team wherever he may end up signing.