Ben Simmons Makes $1 Million Decision After Clippers News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 12:44 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers officially announced the signing of Ben Simmons on Monday, adding another athletic playmaker to Tyronn Lue’s roster. ESPN's Shams Charania initially reported over the weekend that Simmons intended to move to LA after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets.

Simmons is averaging 13.6 points per game for his career, but that has dipped in Brooklyn where he averaged just 6.5 points in 90 games. The three-time All-Star has career averages of 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.

Prior to his buyout, the 28-year-old Simmons was in the final year of a five-year, $177.2 million contract that he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, a deal that paid him $40 million this season.

Per Keith Smith of Spotrac, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick gave back nearly $1.1 million in the buyout and will recoup that amount with the Clippers on a veteran minimum contract.

"Ben Simmons gave back almost $1.1M in his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, a league source told @spotrac," Smith wrote on X. "This reflects the amount Simmons will recoup when he signs a prorated veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers.

Ben Simmons gave back almost $1.1M in his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, a league source told @spotrac.

This reflects the amount Simmons will recoup when he signs a prorated veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 10, 2025

The Clippers have had success in the buyout market in recent years, most notably signing former league MVP Russell Westbrook to a veteran minimum contract in 2023. They will now look to maximize Simmons' potential for as long as he remains with the team.

Originally drafted No. 1 overall by the 76ers, the 6-foot-10 forward was traded to the Nets for James Harden after four seasons in Philadelphia. Now, he joins Harden in LA and will have an opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations.

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

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