Breaking: Clippers Sign Ben Simmons! The Biggest Catch of the NBA Buyout Market

The NBA buyout market has officially exploded. According to league insider Shams Charania, Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets have reached an agreement on a buyout, paving the way for the former No. 1 overall pick to hit free agency. And it didn’t take long for the Los Angeles Clippers to pounce. Reports indicate that the Clippers have officially signed Simmons, making him the most significant acquisition of the buyout season.

This move is nothing short of a blockbuster for a Clippers team that has been searching for a reliable playmaker and defensive force. Simmons, despite his well-documented struggles in recent years, still possesses elite court vision, defensive versatility, and transition play that could be a game-changer in the right system.

Clippers Land the Biggest Name in the Buyout Market

Once word got out that Simmons was negotiating a buyout, nearly every contending team lined up with an offer. The Lakers, Suns, Celtics, Bucks, Nuggets, Knicks, and Rockets were all rumored to have shown interest, but the Clippers ultimately won the race.

It’s not hard to see why Simmons was so coveted. While his offensive game remains a polarizing topic, his passing, rebounding, and defense still make him a valuable piece—especially for a team that doesn’t need him to be the primary scorer.

This season, Simmons had been showing signs of resurgence with the Nets, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 25 minutes per game while playing solid defense. More importantly, he looked healthier than he had in years, appearing in 33 games and starting 24 of them.

For a Clippers squad that has lacked consistent point guard play and defensive versatility, adding Simmons for what is likely a minimum or mid-level contract is a low-risk, high-reward move.

What Simmons Brings to the Clippers

The Clippers have been on a rollercoaster ride this season. After making minor moves at the trade deadline—sending Terance Mann and Bones Hyland to Atlanta for Bogdan Bogdanović and flipping Porter Jr. for MarJon Beauchamp—the team still felt incomplete.

Their biggest issue? A lack of playmaking outside of James Harden. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook can all create shots, but none of them are true facilitators in the way Simmons is.

At his peak, Simmons was one of the best passers in the league, leading the NBA in assist percentage (45.8%) this season—second only to Chris Paul’s 46.2%. That kind of playmaking injection could elevate the Clippers' offense to another level, allowing their stars to focus on scoring rather than initiating every possession.

Defensively, Simmons’ impact could be even more significant. When healthy and locked in, he is one of the most versatile defenders in basketball, capable of guarding all five positions. With the Western Conference loaded with elite wings and playmakers—LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, to name a few—having a 6’10” switchable defender is a massive asset.

If Tyronn Lue can unlock even 80% of peak Ben Simmons, the Clippers might have just pulled off the biggest steal of the season.

The Wild Western Conference Just Got Wilder

This season’s Western Conference arms race has been nothing short of insane. With multiple teams making major moves before the deadline, the playoff race has turned into an all-out war.

The Lakers, bolstered by a 40-year-old LeBron James still putting up MVP-caliber numbers, have surged into the top five in the West. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are struggling, barely clinging to play-in contention as Stephen Curry’s efficiency takes a nosedive.

Phoenix, Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City all remain legitimate threats, while the Clippers are fighting to secure a top-six seed. In such a chaotic environment, every small advantage matters.

Adding Simmons doesn’t necessarily turn the Clippers into instant favorites, but it does give them a new dynamic that could be crucial in a playoff setting. With Leonard still working to regain top form and Harden handling much of the playmaking load, having an elite defensive piece who can facilitate and push the pace in transition could be a difference-maker.

A Fresh Start for Simmons

For Simmons himself, this is a golden opportunity. His career has been defined by highs and lows—an All-NBA talent early on, followed by injuries, confidence issues, and trade drama that derailed his trajectory.

However, at just 27 years old, it’s far too early to write him off. With the Clippers, he won’t be under the same microscope he was in Philadelphia or Brooklyn. He won’t be asked to carry the scoring load or be the primary offensive option. Instead, he can focus on what he does best—defend, pass, and push the tempo.

If Simmons can prove that he still belongs in the league, this could be the beginning of a compelling redemption arc. If not, his days as a meaningful NBA player may be numbered.

Final Thoughts

The Clippers’ decision to sign Simmons is a calculated gamble, but one that makes perfect sense. In a tight Western Conference, every competitive edge counts, and Simmons brings skills that the Clippers desperately need.

Will this move push the Clippers over the top? That remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure—Ben Simmons is back, and the NBA just got a whole lot more interesting.