Ben Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, is on the verge of parting ways with the Brooklyn Nets as the team and Simmons work towards a contract buyout. Simmons was notably absent from the Nets' recent game against the Miami Heat as negotiations continue.
Despite his struggles with injuries during his time in Brooklyn, Coach Jordi Fernandez commended Simmons for his efforts to return to the court. Fernandez highlighted Simmons' perseverance in overcoming various setbacks, including a back injury that sidelined him for an extended period.
Simmons' tenure with the Nets fell short of expectations following his acquisition in a trade for James Harden during the 2022 season. His playing time was limited due to ongoing issues with lower back nerve damage, resulting in a significant number of missed games.
Throughout the current season, Simmons has appeared in 33 out of 51 games for the Nets, starting in 24 of them. His statistical contributions have been modest, averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 assists per game.
With Simmons set to become a free agent after this season, reports suggest that he is exploring potential opportunities with other teams. ESPN has indicated that Simmons is considering offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the current season.
Simmons' journey with the Nets has been marked by challenges, but his resilience and determination to return to the court have been acknowledged by the team. As negotiations for his departure continue, the future remains uncertain for the talented but injury-plagued player.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.
