NBA: Clippers to add Ben Simmons from buyout market

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Point guard Ben Simmons is set to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after securing a contract buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, multiple outlets reported Saturday.

The Nets requested waivers on Simmons on Saturday, according to reports, ending a disappointing, injury-marred three-year stay with the club.

Simmons, 28, joined the Nets on Feb. 10, 2022, after he was acquired in the five-player trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.

READ: NBA: Nets to buy out Ben Simmons

The 6-foot-10 Simmons now will be Harden’s teammate and give Los Angeles additional help at point guard, while giving the team length on defense from the backcourt. The Clippers’ defense gives up 107.7 points per game, third in the NBA heading into Saturday’s play.

Simmons reportedly met with the Cleveland Cavaliers as well before electing to join the Clippers, who currently occupy a play-in spot in the Western Conference.

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.

READ: NBA: Full healthy Ben Simmons ready to lead rebuilding Nets

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 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.