Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports mutually part ways
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne says that Ben Simmons, a point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, and Klutch Sports have decided to stop working together.
Since the 2016 NBA draft, when the Philadelphia 76ers picked Simmons first overall, Klutch Sports has been his agent. This year, the firm negotiated a five-year, $177 million contract extension for him.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Simmons will hire Bernie Lee as his new agent. The seasoned broker “has a long history of guiding clients through difficult spots,” Krawczynski remarked.
Simmons’s entire career was handled by Klutch Sports, from his greatest successes to his darkest lows.
Simmons played for the 76ers from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021, accumulating 194 games and averaging 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per season en route to three All-Star appearances.
After making three consecutive All-Star teams, Simmons’ future looked promising, but things went downhill after the 2021 playoffs when the Sixers lost in the Eastern Conference semis to the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons’ play against the Hawks was heavily criticized in that series. In seven games, he shot 60 percent from the field and averaged 9.9 points, 6.3 boards, 8.6 assists, and 1.3 steals.
The 26-year-old told reporters after Philadelphia’s elimination, “I take full responsibility for our team’s failure to advance in the playoffs.” “I failed to contribute to the success of my team adequately. A great deal of improvement is required on my part.”
Simmons eventually asked to be traded from the Sixers and didn’t suit up for the team at all in 2021-22 because he wasn’t “mentally ready to play,” according to reports.
In the February 2022 trade that sent James Harden to the 76ers, Ben Simmons was sent to the Nets. He explained to reporters at his Brooklyn introduction that his decision not to sign with the 76ers was “personal.”
What’s more, “it was piled up,” he said. “I wasn’t myself because of all the things that happened over the years. Enjoying life and looking after myself. The basketball itself wasn’t the point. The financial gain was secondary.”
Simmons suffered a back injury the following season and missed all but one game for Brooklyn.
The 26-year-old has had more injury trouble this season, though he has yet to be very effective even when fully healthy. He has played in 42 games, and his stats are 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with a 56.6 percent field goal percentage.
Simmons and Klutch Sports have broken up for mysterious reasons.
Final Thoughts
The breakup between Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports has been amicable, and Simmons has already found a new agent in Bernie Lee. NBA updates show that Simmons’ career has had its ups and downs, with his recent struggles on the court and mental health concerns leading to his absence from the 76ers and limited play with the Nets. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Simmons, but it’s clear that he is looking to improve and move forward with his career.
