Ben Simmons' time with the Brooklyn Nets has ended following a confirmed buyout, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Nets requested waivers on Simmons, though he is still awaiting clearance, and speculation points to the Los Angeles Clippers as his potential next team, according to the New York Post.

Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, expressed gratitude for how the buyout was handled, saying, "Like all things with Brooklyn during Ben’s time there, this was handled with the utmost support and class from (general manager) Sean Marks and staff and ownership," in a statement obtained by the New York Post. Due to cap space rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Simmons is restricted from signing with some teams, including the Boston Celtics.

Simmons’ time with the Nets was affected by back injuries and limited playing time, appearing in only 33 of the 51 games this season. These setbacks likely influenced the Nets’ decision to part ways with him.

The Los Angeles Clippers have shown interest in Simmons, with their president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, praising the team's success in the buyout market, mentioning players like Nico Batum, Reggie Jackson, and Russell Westbrook, as noted in an NBC New York report. Simmons could potentially reunite with James Harden, whom he was traded for in 2022, and face his former team in a March 28 game.

The Nets will now look to adjust their roster and finances, with the freed cap space potentially allowing them to promote guard Tyrese Martin to a standard contract.