ESPN: Ben Simmons will join the Los Angeles Clippers

Ben Simmons' adventure in Brooklyn has officially come to an end, as he will continue his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Everything is set between the parties, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The Australian player recently finalized a buyout agreement with the Nets. Simmons was originally owed $40.34 million this season due to the expiration of the five-year, $177 million contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. In 33 appearances (out of 51 for the Nets, which is significant considering the numerous physical issues that have limited him in previous years), Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists while playing 25 minutes per game.

Simmons had been looking to join a title contender, and the franchises most strongly linked to him were the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to The Athletic, the former Sixers player also met with the Houston Rockets in recent hours. In the end, Simmons signed with the Clippers, who are fighting to secure one of the six guaranteed playoff spots. Before the deadline, the franchise added Bogdan Bogdanovic via trade.