The Brooklyn Nets requested waivers on guard/forward Ben Simmons on Saturday, ending a disappointing, injury-marred three-year stay with the club.
Simmons joined the Nets on Feb. 10, 2022, acquired in the five-player trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. ESPN reported Saturday that the Nets and Simmons negotiated a contract buyout.
He reportedly met with the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom are said to have interest in adding Simmons. ESPN reported Saturday that Simmons intends to sign with the Clippers.
With the Nets, Simmons appeared in 90 games (69 starts) and averaged 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists over 25.4 minutes per game. He played 33 of those games this season.
His numbers in Brooklyn lagged behind those he put up with the 76ers, who made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2016.
In 275 games with the Sixers, the native Australian averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
He missed two full seasons with the Sixers — 2016-17 due to injury and 2021-22 because of a holdout and back injury. Back issues have plagued him throughout his career.
Simmons, 28, was in the final season of a five-year, $177.2 million deal, earning $40.3 million this season. He is a three-time All-Star and the former Rookie of the Year.
