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Three Landing Spots Emerge For Former All-Star Ben Simmons

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Feb 7, 2025 12:58 PM ET

Ben Simmons' time with the Brooklyn Nets is over.

The team reached an agreement with the former No. 1 overall pick on a contract buyout, enabling him to sign with any team around the league as a free agent.

Simmons has fallen from his All-NBA peak after several injuries have limited his time on the court, but he can still provide value as a switchable defender and adept facilitator.

One NBA insider is reporting that Simmons has interest from at least three teams, and that he's scheduled to meet with each of them on Friday.

According to Chris Haynes, Simmons will meet with the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets. All three teams are in different situations, but they all have one goal in common when it comes to the playoffs.

Newly bought-out Ben Simmons will meet with the Clippers, Cavaliers and Rockets today, league sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 7, 2025

The Clippers are currently seventh in the West, but it appears that they're ready to make a playoff push in the second half of the season. They have two older stars in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, and Simmons could be a valuable bench piece with the ability to run an offense and play on the wing.

The Cavaliers have the best record in the East at 41-10 just prior to the All-Star break, and they're in win-now mode after making a big trade with the Atlanta Hawks to bring in De'Andre Hunter. Simmons would be another versatile wing defender the Cavs could utilize.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets speaks with Patty Mills #8 on the bench during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center on February 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

The Rockets are fourth in the West, and they've slipped from their spot in the top three of the conference after a five-game losing streak. Simmons could come in and change the energy in the locker room, lifting them to a win to get their season back on track.

Simmons is now looking for his third NBA destination after things didn't work out in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. He was on track to becoming one of the league's next stars after an All-NBA season with the 76ers, but mental health issues and physical injuries have arguably derailed Simmons' career.

He'll have a chance to redeem himself with a contender this year, and it appears that he will have no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to finding a new team.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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