Ben Simmons is reportedly set to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after undergoing a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Simmons is anticipated to join the Clippers once he clears waivers, which is expected to occur on Monday at 5 PM ET.

This season, the Clippers find themselves below the luxury tax threshold, with approximately $1.9 million in available space and $9.2 million under the first apron. Simmons, who was originally owed $40.34 million as part of the five-year, $177 million contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, has averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 33 appearances this season, while logging around 25 minutes per game. Although his shooting ability has been limited—averaging 5.2 attempts per game without taking shots from beyond the arc—his defensive prowess and playmaking skills in transition may provide valuable contributions off the bench.

Simmons' impact on the team could largely depend on his health, as he faced persisting injury issues that limited him to 33 games out of 51 with the Nets this season. Following reports of a pending buyout, Charania speculated that Simmons would seek to join a contender, with the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers being mentioned as potential destinations. Additionally, Simmons had meetings with the Houston Rockets before ultimately deciding on the Clippers, a team striving to secure a position among the top six playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Clippers enhanced their roster by acquiring depth pieces, including Bogdan Bogdanović, to bolster their chances for a successful playoff run alongside stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. With Simmons and Bogdanović potentially providing crucial contributions off the bench, the Clippers aim to maintain their strong defensive identity, which has been integral to their campaign thus far.