According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Brooklyn Nets have bought out Ben Simmons’ contract. Simmons was on an expiring contract, being owed $40.3 million.
Despite buying out his contract, the Nets will not be impacted for their salary cap purposes for the summer of 2025. In addition to this news, Brooklyn is projected to have a league-high $50 million-plus cap space this offseason.
For Simmons, because he has made more than the equivalent of the Non-Taxpayer MLE on his current contract, the 28-year-old cannot sign with any team over the tax apron.
The Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets are all teams that can’t sign Simmons.
While the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors aren’t included on that list, they can’t sign a veteran on the minimum due to being so tight to the first apron.
The good news for Simmons is that there are only nine teams he can’t sign with; there are still 21 teams that could look into acquiring his services.
Three teams to watch out for are the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Per Chris Haynes’ report, the former Rookie of the Year has meetings with all three organizations to determine if both sides would be a compatible match and potentially sign a deal.
In 33 games this season, Simmons averages 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.