“Step aside LeBron” was the message when Ben Simmons burst onto the NBA scene. The bag displayed by the Aussie youngster had everyone believing this was the next star of the league. We have waited since then for him to blossom into that world-conquering force, but we’re still waiting. The 76ers had the same hope back in 2020 when they gave him a $177,243,360, 5-year deal. After numerous injuries and lengthy absences, Simmons is now only a shell of his past self, and, to reinvent himself, the Nets star had to take the leap of faith.

So he did, as Shams Charania confirmed, “Ben Simmons is finalizing a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets to become a free agent, sources tell me and Brian Windhorst. Simmons will meet with the Cavaliers and Clippers starting Friday as he decides his next home.”

Last season Simmons was ruled out for the whole of 2023/24 campaign with a lower back injury after playing only 15 games. Since returning this season Simmons has only played 33 games so far, averaging 6.2 points per game in 25 average minutes on the court. His lack of confidence while shooting showed on multiple occasions as the guard chose to pass even the easiest of layups.

The 3-time NBA All-Star was never the same since his knee surgery during the pandemic. In the following 3 seasons he has only played 90 regular season games. Now with the Nets in a rebuilding phase, Simmons’ exit makes sense for both parties, looking to find renewed energy. As his potential suitors, the Cavs and the Clippers have emerged with discussion soon to kick start.

Simmons had the option to enter free agency in the summer but a buyout means he can take the early exit with immediate destinations ready for him. The Collective Bargaining Agreement has already shrunk his pool of destinations so not the interest in him remains limited.

Ben Simmons’ stance changed drastically since the trade deadline closed

Simmons and the Nets, both knew their time together was up. Last year in December, reports emerged that the 28-year-old is uninterested in a buyout. He was rather open to a trade. However none of the teams were keen on taking his $40.3 million salary this season.

Now with the trade out of question following the deadline, the Nets and Simmons both are looking into an agreement suited best for them. Freeing up Simmons means the Nets can get a player with significant cap strain erased.

According to Bobby Marks, the Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks and Suns are the teams ineligible to sign Simmons once he hits free agency. Those seven teams are either in the first or second apron and are thus not allowed to sign players who make more than the mid-level exception, which is $12.8 million.

The Cavs and Clippers are not burdened with such restrictions. The Cleveland side could bolster their depth with an all-rounder like Simmons. The Clippers can also have the same with the prospect of more minutes. The decision is still pending and the matter could be solved within the All-Star break at the earliest.