Ben Simmons signs with mowers after acquisition of contract with Nets

On By Littum

Ben Simmons adheres to a Western Conference competitor after being released by Brooklyn Nets. 6-FOD-10-Guard signs with Los Angeles Clippers after clearing exceptions, Espns Shams Charania reported.

Simmons, 28, goes from one of the worst teams in the NBA to a team that is currently in line with an end game.

Brooklyn is located 12. In the east with an 18-34 record and has eyes to win NBA Draft Lottery and a Jackpot choice in Duke Sensation Cooper Flagg. Clippers currently has No. 7 seed in the west at 28-23 and is in the play-in mixture. Simmons joins a lineup led by stars James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell.

The nets ended a buyout with Simmons after Thursday’s NBA trading deadline. He had to pay $ 40 million in the last year of his contract. In addition to Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets also expressed interest in the seven-year veteran. He will be an unlimited free agent after the season.

Simmons moves to the third team in his career after Philadelphia 76ers made him the total election # 1 in 2016 NBA Draft out of LSU. Despite having watch skills in a pointed body and a Allamerican beginner season in Baton Rouge, Simmons never evolved into the superstar talent that many considered him to get out of college.

Injuries have contributed to his performance. Simmons missed his first season after breaking his right foot during training camp. Still, he won the NBA Rookie of the year honor when he returned. He was an all-star in each of his next three seasons and was also named the league’s all-defensive teams in 2020 and 2021.

However, Simmons ended up during the 2021-22 season in the middle of an injury and concerns with his mental makeup as he sent a potential game-winning shot- probably a can – In a game of 7 playoff tabs to Atlanta Hawks. Main coach Doc Rivers questioned whether Simmons could be a Point Guard on a championship team. Simmons then refused to report in the hope of forcing a trade.

Simmons were shopped for the nets The following season in exchange for the Harden. He did not play because of a back injury that eventually demanded surgery. Simmons reviewed Another procedure on the back Last season.

For three seasons, since he joined the team, his production has been far below what it was during his first three years with Sixers. Simmons have an average of 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists, while a non-factor in shooting 3-Pointers.

“After the trade deadline had passed, we had a conversation where we mutually agreed to come up with a solution to give the bone the opportunity to seek out a new start for himself,” Simmons’ Agent Bernie Lee told New York Post.

“I just want to take a moment to really thank (Nets General Manager) Sean Marks, the whole coaching staff and ownership of their partnership in the last few seasons and the incredible amount they supported legs every step on the road.”

Clippers will play at the nets on March 28.