In the NBA world, Ben Simmons’ current status is nothing short of a financial fiasco. The Brooklyn Nets are set to pay him a staggering $40.3 million for the 2024-25 season—an amount that eclipses the salaries of nine NBA All-Stars, including Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey. This massive payout for Ben Simmons, who has become more of a liability than a star, highlights a contract gone terribly awry.
Ben Simmons vs. NBA All-Stars: A Salary Discrepancy That Defies Belief
Imagine signing a five-year, $170 million deal in 2019 only to have the player fail spectacularly. That’s precisely the scenario with Simmons. Once hailed as a prodigious talent, his performance has plummeted to such an extent that he’s barely seen on the court. His brief appearances last season—just 15 games—underscore a dramatic fall from grace. His diminished trade value and injury woes have pushed potential suitors away, making him a dead weight on Brooklyn’s books.
However, there’s a silver lining in this murky situation. The Nets can finally wash their hands of Simmons after this season, as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The end of his contract will mark the end of an era of disappointment for Brooklyn—a failed experiment that included Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson, who will also be leaving. With the demise of this so-called “big three,” the Nets can start anew, free from the shadow of Simmons’ underwhelming contributions.
Moreover, with Jordi Fernandez stepping in as coach, Simmons faces the grim prospect of a season filled with DNPs (Did Not Play). His disinterest in mentoring younger players only adds to the narrative of a player who has become a shadow of his former self. Recent revelations from Georges Niang have only added fuel to the fire, further exposing Simmons’ well-documented character flaws.
In the end, Simmons’ stint with the Nets will likely be remembered as a cautionary tale—an extravagant contract gone wrong. His inability to stay healthy and contribute meaningfully has left Brooklyn in a precarious position, hoping for a fresh start with a new chapter devoid of the baggage Simmons has carried.
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