Ben Simmons Breaks Silence After Clippers News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 10, 2025 4:05 PM ET

Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has spent the last three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets after he was acquired by the Nets at the trade deadline in exchange for James Harden in 2022. The first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft has spent much of his time in Brooklyn on the sidelines due to multiple injuries.

The 2018 Rookie of the Year played 42 games in his first season with the Nets but was limited to just 15 games the following year. He's had his healthiest season in Brooklyn in 2024-25, playing 33 of 51 games.

On Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Simmons will no longer continue with the Nets this season. The Nets finalized a buyout with Simmons, which will make him an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers.

Ben Simmons is finalizing a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets to become a free agent, sources tell me and @WindhorstESPN. Simmons will meet with the Cavaliers and Clippers starting Friday as he decides his next home. pic.twitter.com/guz2MhmJ5A
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2025

As the waiver process began, Charania provided an additional report on Saturday that Simmons plans to sign with the LA Clippers.

"Just In: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell ESPN," Charania reported.

Just In: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/D37Tzmik46
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2025

Simmons' final game with the Nets was a loss against the Washington Wizards last Thursday, where he scored four points and provided six assists.

The 2016 No. 1 overall broke his silence on social media with a cryptic post shortly after the Clippers news was reported. In the post shared to his Instagram stories, Simmons had his bags packed, subtly confirming reports of a potential move to LA.

As a Net, Simmons averaged 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in 25 minutes.

While Simmons is far from being the player he was during his time in Philly, he will have an opportunity to contribute to the Clippers as they look to make a deep playoff run.

With two First-Team All-Defensive selections to his name, Simmons could also impact an already formidable Clippers defense that has allowed the third-fewest points in the league this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: