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[Jolly Sports News] The NBA’s most burdensome contract might run its full course.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Tuesday that neither the Brooklyn Nets nor forward Ben Simmons have any interest in pursuing a buyout to end their partnership.
Siegel also noted it’s a “strong possibility” Simmons will remain on the roster past the Feb. 6 trade deadline, signaling he won’t be traded either.
Simmons, a three-time All-Star now 28, is in the final year of a five-year, $177 million deal he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. The Nets took on the contract as part of the 2022 James Harden trade, but Simmons has provided minimal return on investment.
Persistent injuries and a lack of scoring development have limited him to just 80 games in three seasons with the Nets, averaging 6.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on dismal 57/0/50 shooting splits.
With his market value at rock bottom, Simmons has little incentive to agree to a buyout and give up guaranteed money. His contract expires after this season, and it’s unclear if he’ll command anything more than a veteran’s minimum in free agency.
For the Nets, who are 11-18 and in a rebuilding phase, Simmons poses minimal additional harm. They might even hope for a short-term boost, as recent roster moves have opened up offensive opportunities. Regardless, it seems both sides are resigned to seeing the deal through to its conclusion.
