The Brooklyn Nets announced on Saturday that they have waived Ben Simmons after reaching a contract buyout agreement. The move officially severs ties between the franchise and the three-time NBA All-Star, who had been part of the team since a February 2022 trade. For Simmons, this provides an opportunity to explore a fresh start with another team, while the Nets continue to reshape their roster with a future-focused approach.
A former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons arrived in Brooklyn as the centerpiece in a complex trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, which also included James Harden. While the Nets initially envisioned Simmons as a versatile playmaker who could complement their All-Star core, injuries and a noticeable decline in form meant that his contributions fell short of expectations.
Simmons leaves the Nets after appearing in 90 games over parts of three seasons. During his stint in Brooklyn, he averaged 6.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. These figures stand in stark contrast to the level of production he achieved earlier in his career, raising questions about his ability to regain the form that once earned him Defensive Player of the Year consideration and All-NBA honors.
The decision to part ways with Simmons was noted as amicable, with both sides emphasizing the need for a reset. “This was a mutual decision,” a Nets spokesperson said in a statement. “We wish Ben nothing but success as he looks forward to the next chapter in his career.”
For Simmons, the buyout underscores a pivotal moment as he enters free agency. While his recent performances have drawn widespread criticism, his potential upside remains intriguing to teams seeking depth and versatility. NBA insiders have already speculated about potential suitors, including teams with a need for defensive acumen and ball-handling skills.
Simmons’ tenure with the Nets was marked by its share of controversy and setbacks. Health challenges posed significant obstacles, with knee and back issues sidelining him for extended periods. These injuries limited his ability to build momentum and further capped his contributions on the court. Additionally, the high expectations stemming from his earlier success in Philadelphia only heightened scrutiny about his performances.
The Nets, meanwhile, are looking to turn the page on an era that once held lofty aspirations but ended without delivering a championship. The team initially constructed a star-studded roster featuring the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden—a trio that was dismantled following a series of trades and player movements. Simmons was viewed as a critical part of the group’s second iteration after Harden’s departure, yet his tenure did not yield the impact the franchise had hoped for.
The financials of the buyout agreement were not immediately disclosed, but Simmons was in the midst of a five-year, $177 million max contract signed during his Philadelphia days. The buyout is expected to provide Brooklyn with some financial alleviation as it navigates its forward strategy.
From a legacy standpoint, Simmons’ journey has been one of immense talent juxtaposed with unrealized potential. Drafted first overall by the 76ers in 2016, he entered the league as one of the most promising prospects in his generation. His rookie campaign, which was delayed for a year due to a foot injury, only amplified the anticipation. Upon debuting in 2017, Simmons quickly showcased his unique skill set, earning Rookie of the Year honors and making a name for himself as a point guard with size, vision, and defensive tenacity.
However, his career began to falter following the 2020-2021 season, when well-documented struggles in the playoffs initiated a spiral that he has struggled to recover from. A shooting slump, magnified by repeated failures at the free-throw line, coincided with significant shifts in his relationship with the 76ers, culminating in a public trade request.
The Nets were seen as offering Simmons a fresh start, but the synergy never materialized. Despite flashes of his trademark defensive brilliance and playmaking ability, he struggled to find a consistent foothold as part of Brooklyn’s plans, further stymied by fitness concerns.
For the Nets, the move signals a continuation of their rebuild process under new leadership. The front office has shifted focus to developing rising talents and maintaining financial flexibility. By resolving Simmons’ future, the team positions itself to retool effectively around its remaining core.
As for Simmons, the immediate future appears uncertain but not devoid of possibilities. Achieving a successful comeback would require addressing both his physical health and the aspects of his game that have come under scrutiny. The ultimate outcome of his next chapter will likely depend on the environment he finds himself in and his ability to make adjustments.
Saturday marked the end of what can be described as a misalignment of expectations and reality for both Simmons and the Nets. While the outcome might not have been what either party envisioned, the mutual parting is perhaps the best solution for all involved. Both sides now look forward toward new opportunities, closing an important chapter in the story of the Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons.
