Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Clippers will sign former Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons after he clears waivers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Just In: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/D37Tzmik46
Simmons agreed to a contract buyout with the Nets and met with the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers before choosing L.A., per Charania.
Simmons should presumably back up starting point guard James Harden and be a featured member of the second unit for the 28-23 Clippers, who sit seventh in the Western Conference.
Here’s a look at how a depth chart could look with Simmons in town.
PG: James Harden, Ben Simmons, Kris Dunn, Patty Mills
SG: Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanović
SF: Kawhi Leonard, Amir Coffey, Bogdan Bogdanović
PF: Derrick Jones Jr., Amir Coffey, Nicolas Batum
C: Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, Drew Eubanks
Simmons’ contract terms with the Clippers are unknown at this time, but here’s a look at where the team was relative to the luxury tax level and the first apron prior to the move, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Per Spotrac, the Clippers had total tax allocations of $168,914,628 on their current roster.
In 33 games (24 starts) this season, Simmons averaged 6.2 points on 54.7 percent shooting, 6.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per contest. He’s taken the court in seven NBA seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers and Nets, making the All-Star Game three times and landing on the 2019-20 All-NBA Third Team and a pair of NBA All-Defensive Teams.
Injuries have taken a toll over the years, with a recurring back injury being a troublesome issue. But he’s productive when healthy and is a great pickup for the Clippers, who should benefit from his versatility and point guard skills off the bench to help lead the second unit.
Read the full article here