Ben Simmons was determined to prove his doubters wrong about what he could do with the Brooklyn Nets. Apparently, it's "all talk and no action" at all—and the latest buyout verdict from the team summed it all up.
Years of injuries, inconsistency, and unmet expectations have finally sealed the deal in Net's last act. They have reportedly struck a buyout agreement to make way for this member of what is arguably the most disappointing acquisition in franchise history.
The Long Road to an Inevitable Buyout
For years, Simmons' future with the Nets was uncertain. The 2023 season saw him sidelined due to a nerve impingement in his back, and history repeated itself in 2024. Despite hopes of a resurgence, his injuries proved too much to overcome.
It was confirmed on Friday that Simmons was absent from the Nets and would miss the game against the Miami Heat. The New York Post said that multiple reports confirmed he was already talking to playoff teams, including Cavaliers, Rockets, and Clippers who wanted to talk to him once he was waived.
A Gamble That Turned Costly
Simmons will leave the team after the end of a five-year, $177.2 million contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets traded for him in 2022 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Philly, but injuries and disappointing performances marked his time in Brooklyn.
Simmons played only 57 of 191 possible games over two and a half seasons, which cost the Nets about $86.3 million. That is about $1.5 million per game played. He also missed all eight of the team's playoff games during that period.
Simmons' Last Season: A Flicker of Hope, but Too Little, Too Late
Simmons played in 33 of the team's 51 games this season, and he flashed glimpses of his old playmaking. He averaged 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game as he shared ball-handling duties with Dennis Schroder and later De'Angelo Russell after the team reshuffled its roster.
These notwithstanding, his performance never quite made his big paychecks worthwhile. With the Nets in a rebuild, Simmons was more of a costly liability than an asset.
Cam Johnson, Nets forward, was sympathetic toward Simmons, admitting it's tough to come back from long stretches away from the court.
"Injuries are always tough," Johnson said. "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 team in rapid succession. However, he never came close to being the cornerstone player that the team was expecting.
Even his preseason comeback was a flop. Some fans thought that Brooklyn weren't winning 20 games. All eyes were on Simmons at that time to spell out their disappointment through memes.
What's Next for Ben Simmons?
Despite his troubles in Brooklyn, Simmons can still get a roster spot on a playoff contender. His defensive versatility and playmaking skills are valuable assets if he can stay healthy.
Simmons will move forward as a free agent as AP News reports. If one of the three teams: Cavaliers, Rockets, and Clippers decided to recruit him, a fresh start might rekindle his career.
The Nets have to part ways with Simmons as a part of rebuilding the team. While the Nets didn't make big moves during the trade deadline, the buyout might be the biggest move of the season.
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