After missing about half of the regular season last year, the Brooklyn Nets were hoping to get three-time All-Star Ben Simmons back in the fold during the 2023-24 regular season, and all signs pointed to that happening.
Unfortunately, even though Simmons showed signs of his old form after finally getting back on the floor for the Nets, the end result was even worse than last season, as he has been ruled out for the season due to a persistent nerve issue in his back.
With Simmons being the highest-paid player on the roster, the Nets are likely sick and tired of seeing him sit on the sideline while the team could use his salary and production on the basketball floor.
Simmons has one year left on his deal with the Nets as he’s set to make $40.3 million during the 2024-25 campaign, but the Nets will likely try to figure out how to part ways, even if that means trying to buy him out, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post via NBA Central.
“With a $40 million expiring salary next season, the Nets could attempt to trade him this summer or possibly even buy him out,” Lewis said.
“With a $40 million expiring salary next season, the Nets could attempt to trade him this summer or possibly even buy him out.”
– @NYPost_Lewis on Ben Simmons
(Via https://t.co/bki0MGoWkn) pic.twitter.com/aMLYPd7r5I
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 7, 2024
At this point, the two sides finally parting ways seems like a step in the right direction, as the Nets need to take a step forward while Simmons needs to figure out how to salvage his NBA career or consider calling it quits.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the NBA offseason with Simmons, but it does seem unlikely that Brooklyn can trade him.
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