Ben Simmons is seeking a fresh start as reports emerge that the Brooklyn Nets are in talks for a buyout agreement with the Australian star.
Simmons is currently in the final year of a five-year maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a deal that totalled over $AUD280 million. He’s set to enter free agency this upcoming summer.
According to ESPN, discussions are underway between Simmons and the Nets, with the LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as potential new destinations for the former All-NBA forward.
The Australian’s stint with Brooklyn has been plagued by injuries, with him managing to exceed 40 games in just one season, despite each team competing in 82 regular season matches in the NBA.
At 28 years of age, Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 25 minutes per game this season.
It appears that Ben Simmons’ tenure with the Nets is coming to a close. Getty
The Australian’s move is just one of many that are set to unfold following an unforgettable trade deadline.
In a headline-grabbing spree, no fewer than eight current and former All-Stars have secured new homes, including several recent All-NBA selections and three Olympic gold medallists.
Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis were taken by surprise by a major trade, while De’Aaron Fox now gets to play alongside Victor Wembanyama. Jimmy Butler received part of his wish as he was traded, and P.J. Tucker has, on paper, become a member of four teams within a week.
Dennis Schroder was effectively associated with four teams in just 18 hours. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine is heading to Sacramento, a city he considers home.
It’s done. The whirlwind trade deadline has come to a close, leaving teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets feeling optimistic about their recent moves.
“This is the NBA we live in,” remarked LaVine, who transitioned from Chicago to Sacramento—a franchise he had previously signed an offer sheet with in 2018. “And that’s simply the business of basketball.”
Teams manoeuvred around salary caps, tax lines, and more, with some having an eye on future success while others aimed for immediate contention, exemplified by Butler’s move to the Warriors. The Lakers seemed to strike a balance between the present and future, envisioning a partnership between Doncic and LeBron James that could yield fruit right away, while hoping that Doncic will become the franchise cornerstone for many years.
“We’re discussing a 25-year-old who is considered a top three player in the league,” said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. “I can’t imagine a more exciting foundation for building a roster for the next decade.”
Phoenix was Butler’s chosen destination after his relationship with Miami soured beyond reconciliation. Kevin Durant trade talks occurred, but he chose to remain with the Suns, alongside Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. Ultimately, Golden State sealed the Butler deal, at a significant cost, with Andrew Wiggins being the centrepiece of the package.
Jimmy Butler makes his move to Golden State. Getty
Stephen Curry reached out to Butler by text during the halftime break of the Golden State versus Utah game on Wednesday night. While Butler’s reply remains undisclosed, Curry described it as “a very pleasant message.”
“There’s definitely a lot of drama surrounding everything, and honestly, who knows the complete story?” Curry said. “We’re counting on a motivated and committed Jimmy to make a positive impact on our team.”
“It will be about ironing out the details of how everything fits together, but I’m really looking forward to getting started and harnessing the energy of this new development.”
Butler joins fellow Olympic gold medallists like Davis and Khris Middleton (who was traded to Washington after a successful stint in Milwaukee). Doncic, Davis, Butler, and Fox are among the recent All-NBA hopefuls; other notable trades saw Minnesota’s Julius Randle and New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns switch places just as training camps commenced last autumn. LaVine and Brandon Ingram are also All-Stars, with Ingram moving from New Orleans to Toronto.
Massive names, monumental trades. Some teams took significant risks. The Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers welcomed De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks, while the defending champion Boston Celtics largely retained their core squad. Oklahoma City, leading the Western Conference, had already bolstered its roster prior to the trade deadline, with Chet Holmgren returning after three months out due to a hip injury.
The stage is set. The All-Star break approaches, paving the way for an exhilarating run to the finish.
“It’s about turning the page and looking ahead,” Heat forward Kevin Love commented. “Given how the Luka-AD trade unfolded and everything else since, I think we’re witnessing something quite unprecedented.”
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