Point Guard Ben Simmons reportedly intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons, 28, last played for the Brooklyn Nets. He agreed to a contract buyout with the Nets. He was due to be paid $40 million in the final year of his contract. He was traded to the Nets as a key piece in a multi-player trade that sent Point Guard James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden, 35, currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons, a seven-year veteran, also attracted attention from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets. Simmons, a three-time NBA All-Star, signing with the Clippers can be a positive as he has been described as a high-upside addition in the buyout market. The Clippers had tremendous success in the buyout market in recent years, with productive stints from Point Guard Russell Westbrook, Shooting Guard Nicolas Batum, and Point Guard Reggie Jackson. Read on for further details.
Ben Simmons’ Intent to Sign
On Saturday, ESPN posted on X, “Breaking: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell @ShamsCharania.” ESPN’s post on X came at a rather interesting time, as Simmons last played for the Brooklyn Nets after a long-term tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2016-2022. Simmons’ back and mental health issues were always concerning.
Ben Simmons’ intent to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers sparked mixed emotions from the NBA world. Some individuals asked how Simmons continues to get offers, only to sit on teams’ benches, while other individuals said him signing with the Clippers was an interesting sight to see. It’s unclear how Simmons’ stint in Los Angeles will pan out, but he could help the Clippers tremendously on the bench as a backup Power Forward and Center.
Simmons’ Stats This Season
Ben Simmons has averaged just 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 54.7% from the field in the 2024-25 NBA season. Simmons averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 56% from the field and 13.9% from downtown in his NBA career. The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Simmons with the first overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft out of LSU.
For the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons last recorded four points, five rebounds, six assists, and one steal, along with 2-of-5 field goal shooting in 18 minutes of play Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. Simmons didn’t contribute to the Nets’ scoring on Friday night’s game vs. Miami Heat. The Nets will host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Los Angeles Clippers’ Outlook
The Los Angeles Clippers’ outlook extends past their next game on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Pacific vs. Utah Jazz. The outlook appears to be how to build around their star players, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. A Small Forward and a Point Guard. The Clippers made it out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs just twice in the last decade.
The Clippers reportedly wanted to play it safe with their money, so it’s safe to say that signing Ben Simmons wouldn’t cost much. Simmons would get a fresh start on the West Coast as the Clippers currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference with a 28-23 record. The Clippers’ bench and depth could benefit from the addition of Simmons, as long as he’s healthy and consistent.
