Simmons Headed for a Minimum Contract? Brooklyn Nets' $130 Million Deal Among NBA’s Worst

The departure of Dennis Schröder to the Golden State Warriors has reignited debates about Ben Simmons' role and future with the Brooklyn Nets. On the surface, Simmons seems to have benefited from the roster shakeup. Over the past four games, he’s started every time, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. His contributions have clearly become more pronounced, but there’s a downside: he’s averaging over 30 minutes per game during this stretch, a significant increase from earlier in the season when he never surpassed the 30-minute mark. With Simmons' history of back issues, concerns about his durability are mounting.

Despite his improved form, Simmons' performance has sparked interest across the league. However, according to insider reports, most teams are hoping to acquire him at little to no cost. Journalist Evan Sidery highlighted Simmons' $40.34 million salary this season as a massive barrier to any trade, suggesting the only feasible way out might involve a buyout agreement with the Nets. Such a deal would allow Simmons to join a competitive team on a veteran minimum contract.

However, fellow journalist Brett Siegal has refuted this possibility, stating that there is no mutual interest between the Nets and Simmons in pursuing a buyout. While buyouts followed by minimum-salary signings are not uncommon in the NBA, Simmons' situation is unique. At just 28 years old, transitioning from a max-contract player to a minimum-contract role would be almost unprecedented. Over his four seasons in Brooklyn, Simmons has earned approximately $130 million but played only 80 games, making his deal one of the most infamous “poison pill” contracts in recent NBA history.

The Nets' Trade Landscape

While Simmons remains a contentious topic, the Nets’ most valuable trade asset is undoubtedly Cameron Johnson. Multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets, have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the versatile wing. Brooklyn has set a steep price for Johnson, reportedly seeking either multiple first-round picks or a package involving a young, promising player alongside draft assets.

Johnson’s value is understandable given his breakout season. He’s averaging a career-best 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. His 42.3% three-point shooting on 3.2 makes per game further boosts his appeal, making him a prime target for teams in need of scoring and spacing.

Another sought-after Nets player is forward Dorian Finney-Smith. According to recent reports, the Phoenix Suns are aggressively pursuing him, aiming to bolster their frontcourt defense and versatility. At 6’7”, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season while shooting 45.2% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. His $14.39 million salary makes him an attractive trade piece, as teams like Phoenix can easily match his contract using players like Jusuf Nurkić ($18.13 million) or Grayson Allen ($15.63 million).

The Nets’ Post-Schroder Era

With the recent roster moves and rumors swirling around, it seems the Nets are embracing a full-scale rebuild. The team appears to be prioritizing its future, setting its sights on the highly anticipated 2025 NBA Draft and potential top pick Cooper Flagg. This shift in focus has led many to liken Brooklyn’s current strategy to a supermarket clearance sale, with nearly all veteran assets available for the right price.

In this context, Simmons represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, his massive contract and inconsistent performance make him a liability. On the other, his recent resurgence hints at untapped potential—potential that could either make him a valuable piece for a contending team or help the Nets recoup some value in a trade.

Regardless of how the Simmons saga unfolds, it underscores the broader challenges Brooklyn faces as it navigates the post-superstar era. For a franchise once built around Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the transition to a rebuilding team centered on draft picks and younger players is both a stark shift and a necessary step.