Did The Brooklyn Nets Make A Ben Simmons Mistake?

The Brooklyn Nets recently waived Ben Simmons

Oct 29, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Ben Simmons had spent part of four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets organization.

Earlier this month, the Nets waived Simmons as part of a contract buyout.

He had been averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per contest while shooting 54.7% from the field in 33 games.

Via Keith Smith of Spotrac on February 10: "Ben Simmons gave back almost $1.1M in his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, a league source told @spotrac.

This reflects the amount Simmons will recoup when he signs a prorated veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers."

Ben Simmons gave back almost $1.1M in his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, a league source told @spotrac.

This reflects the amount Simmons will recoup when he signs a prorated veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 10, 2025

Simmons recently made his debut for the LA Clippers (on Thursday).

He looked fantastic, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block while shooting 4/5 from the field in 27 minutes of playing time.

WELCOME TO THE CLIPPERS, 25 ‼️

James Harden ↗️ Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/PZdc437u3p

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 14, 2025

While Simmons is no longer the All-Star he once was, he is just 28, so there is a chance that he still has a lot of basketball left to play.

Even though the former LSU star will be a free agent this summer, it's fair to wonder if Brooklyn should have attempted to keep him as part of their long-term plans.

Dec 28, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

For a team that is in rebuilding mode, it's good to have players that give a level of continuity to the franchise.

Simmons also seems like he can help an NBA team on the court for at least a few more years.

BEN SIMMONS REVERSE JAM 🔄 pic.twitter.com/EUUj1aA1Uk

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 11, 2025

In addition, it's possible that the Nets missed out an opportunity to get something back for him in a trade (he had a large expiring salary).

Feb 13, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard/forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images / Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

Right now, the Nets are the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 20-34 record in 54 games.

They are just 1.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in tournament spot.

Feb 1, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images / Erik Williams-Imagn Images

If Simmons can help the Clippers make a deep playoff run, his value this summer will likely go up.