Three years ago, Ben Simmons was traded to the Nets in exchange for James Harden within the blockbuster deal of the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
Now, the 2 are teammates in Hollywood after Simmons signed with the Clippers after he was bought out by the Nets last weekend.
But the latest member of the Clippers had little interest in discussing the full-circle nature of the entire saga.
“I’m a competitor. I just wish to compete,” Simmons said Tuesday. “I don’t know all of the bulls–t that is claimed online. That doesn’t come from me. I would like to compete and I’m here to do this. To play alongside a few of these great players is gonna be great. I feel everyone seems to be just going to push one another to be higher. They expect greatness, in order that’s my expectation coming to the Clippers.”
Simmons, 28, has been hampered by injuries through the course of his profession, and various health issues plagued his tenure with the Nets following the trade with the Sixers in 2022.
Injuries have been such a difficulty that Simmons hasn’t played greater than 60 games in a season since his second 12 months within the NBA.
Last season, he appeared in only 15 contests for the Nets.
Simmons played in 33 games this 12 months and averaged 6.2 points, 6.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.
The guard told reporters Tuesday the Clippers made him feel “wanted.”
“I feel just talking to Ty Lue, everyone was just very transparent,” Simmons said. “They know what I’m able to and what they expect from me… I feel it’s easier when teams are transparent and understand what you might be, what you wish, how they can assist, and the way I can assist them. So for me, I feel comfortable.”
The Clippers will probably be back in motion Wednesday after they host the Grizzlies.
