US reporter: Ben Simmons is close to reaching a buyout agreement with the Nets, with the Cavaliers, Clippers and Rockets becoming potential next homes

According to ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, Ben Simmons is close to reaching a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. He will meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers starting Friday, both of which are potential next teams.

Veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes went on to add that the Houston Rockets were also on Simmons' meeting list.

On the other hand, Ben Simmons' agent Bernie Lee said when talking about the buyout progress: "I just saw some reports. I want to make it clear that Ben has not met with any team and has no plans to do so."

"We are still communicating with the Nets. If there is any new development, we will inform you in time."

Simmons, 28, plays primarily as a point guard and entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. He initially played for the Philadelphia 76ers and came to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022 as part of the James Harden trade.

Affected by a back injury, Simmons' performance in the Nets is no longer as brave as it used to be. So far this season, he has started 24 of 33 regular season games, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 54%.

Simmons has entered the final year of his five-year maximum contract with the 76ers. His salary this season is as high as $40.34 million, the highest on the Nets.

It is reported that Simmons plans to give up part of his salary during the buyout process. However, due to salary rules, the Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks and Suns are not eligible to sign him.