The proprietor of the one worst contract within the NBA proper now could also be poised to play out that contract in its entirety.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Tuesday that neither the Brooklyn Nets nor veteran ahead Ben Simmons have any curiosity in any respect in pursuing a buyout to probably finish their partnership. Siegel additionally says that it’s a “robust chance” that Simmons will stay on the Brooklyn roster past the Feb. 6 commerce deadline (which means that he is not going to be traded both).
The three-time All-Star Simmons, now 28, signed a five-year, $177M contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, which the Nets then assumed after they acquired Simmons as a part of the 2022 James Harden commerce. He has returned little or no worth since then nonetheless as a result of fixed accidents and by no means managing to develop a workable recreation as a scorer.
Within the three years since being acquired by the Nets, Simmons has appeared in 80 whole video games (lower than one full season’s value) and has averaged 6.5 factors, 6.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per contest. He has 57/0/50 capturing splits too.
However for Simmons, whose contract might be up after the season, it is sensible for him to attempt to grasp onto as a lot assured cash as potential proper now fairly than giving up some to facilitate a buyout. Simmons’ market worth is in the bathroom proper now, and it’s anybody’s guess if he’ll have the ability to command something greater than the veteran’s minimal as a free agent subsequent summer season.
As for the Nets, Simmons can’t actually harm them way more this yr as they’re a rebuilding group with a file of 11-18 (eleventh within the East). Brooklyn may be banking on a short-term increase from Simmons after they just lately opened up some offensive alternatives by trading away a top scorer.
