The tenure of Ben Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets seems to be nearing its end.
The former No.1 pick from the 2016 draft was absent for the Nets’ Saturday (AEDT) encounter against the Miami Heat, as the organisation is working towards a buyout of his contract.
Coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed that Simmons would continue to stay away from the squad, though he opted not to comment publicly on the anticipated separation.
However, he did commend Simmons for his determination in returning from a series of injuries that hampered his effectiveness during his stint in Brooklyn.
Ben Simmons’ departure from the Nets has been almost confirmed after his absence during the game against the Heat. Getty
“It’s impressive to see him overcoming a full season without play and then being limited the following season, and now he’s fighting back, clocking over 20-minute stints,” Fernandez mentioned, who is in his first season with the Nets.
“It’s fantastic to witness him back on the court following surgery.”
Nonetheless, this outcome falls short of the expectations the Nets had when they acquired the three-time All-Star in exchange for James Harden during the 2022 trade deadline.
Simmons did not play for the remainder of that season due to a back injury sustained while trying to regain his fitness after missing the initial half of that season in Philadelphia.
The injury struggles, largely stemming from nerve damage in his lower back, have continued to hinder Simmons. He managed only half of the 2022-23 season and played just 15 games last season.
This season, Simmons has participated in 33 of the Nets’ 51 games, starting in 24 of them, averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 assists.
He is earning nearly $64 million this season and will enter free agency afterwards.
According to ESPN, he is set to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers regarding potential signings for the remainder of this season.
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