Ben Simmons released by Brooklyn Nets, set to become a free agent

According to media reports, the Brooklyn Nets released Ben Simmons, and he became a full free agent.

Simmons, 28, was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft and joined the Philadelphia 76ers. He was then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, in exchange for James Harden.

However, after the trade was completed, Simmons was unable to return that season due to a back injury. Injury problems have always plagued Simmons, especially lower back nerve damage, which continues to affect Simmons. In the 2022-23 season, Simmons only played half a season.

This season, Simmons played 33 times in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets, 24 of which were starts. Simmons averaged 6.2 points and 6.9 assists per game, which was not what the Brooklyn Nets expected of him.

Simmons did not participate in the Brooklyn Nets' recent 102-86 win over the Miami Heat because the two sides were still negotiating a buyout. At the time, the team's coach Jordy Fernandez did not comment on Simmons' departure.

Fernandez simply recognized Simmons' efforts to return, saying: "I know he missed a season, then played limited games, and now he's working hard to return. This season he's averaging about 20 to 25 minutes per game."

Now that Simmons will officially leave the Brooklyn Nets, some media reported that Simmons plans to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers to discuss signing for the rest of the season.