Report: Ben Simmons Plans to Sign Clippers Contract After Nets Buyout amid NBA Rumors

Ben Simmons reportedly intends to sign a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers following his contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Simmons will land with the Clippers once he clears waivers.

Simmons was originally owed $40.34 million this season thanks to the expiring five-year, $177 million deal he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.

Through 33 appearances this season, Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists while playing 25 minutes a night.

Simmons, who attempts 5.2 shots per game and doesn't take any from deep, will provide limited shooting for his new team, although his defensive abilities and open-floor playmaking could make him a solid bench addition.

How impactful his signing will be could depend on his health. Simmons appeared in 33 of the Nets' first 51 games as his career-long injury issues continued into the 2024-25 campaign.

When Charania reported Friday that Simmons and the Nets were working toward a buyout, he added that he expected Simmons to "try to join a contender" like the Clippers or Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Athletic's Joe Vardon, Law Murray, and Jenna West reported Simmons was also meeting with the Houston Rockets.

Simmons ultimately signed with the Clippers, who are fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament and hang on to one of the six guaranteed playoff spots in the West.

In order to give James Harden and Kawhi Leonard their best shot at a playoff run this spring, the Clippers spent the trade deadline adding depth pieces like Bogdan Bogdanović.

Having both Bogdanović and Simmons coming off the bench could decrease how much the Clippers have to rely on Harden, and that could be key to keeping him healthy down the stretch.

The Clippers got themselves in potential playoff position this season by running one of the NBA's top two defenses. Getting Simmons in the rotation could help the Clips remain one of the toughest defensive matchups in the league as they gear up for a potential playoff run.