Ben Simmons has officially joined the Los Angeles Clippers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. Before committing to the Clippers, Simmons attracted interest from multiple teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Philadelphia 76ers were interested in bringing Simmons back. The Sixers previously traded Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for James Harden.
That trade followed Simmons’ extended holdout, which stemmed from his desire to leave Philadelphia after a disappointing performance in the second round of the 2021 playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks.
During his time with the Nets this season, Simmons played in 33 games, posting averages of 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 25.0 minutes per game.
Since joining the Clippers, he has made one appearance: he delivered an impressive performance with 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 27 minutes on the court.
Fischer provided more insight into the situation, saying, “I think Philadelphia sniffed around on Ben Simmons. I really do,” in his NBA Insider Notebook, indicating that the Sixers were at least curious about the possibility of reuniting with their former All-Star.
Sixers Explored Signing Ben Simmons After Buyout https://t.co/YeZmMs92Wd
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 14, 2025
