Ben Simmons has agreed to a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, making him an unrestricted free agent. Following the buyout, Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to news broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Simmons would now join and be teammates with Clippers guard James Harden, the player for whom he was traded two years ago when he was with the Sixers.

Simmons' time with the Nets was marred by injuries, including back issues and surgeries, limiting his playing time to just 57 of 191 games since his trade to Brooklyn. This season, he played in 33 of 51 games, averaging 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds as a backup point guard. 

The buyout is expected to free up a roster spot and cap space for the Nets, with the possibility of converting some of their players’ two-way contracts to  standard deals.

Simmons signing with LA aims to bolster the Clippers' defense and playmaking capabilities as they pursue a playoff spot.