NBA star Ben Simmons’ future has taken a fresh twist after the Brooklyn Nets point guard mutually split from LeBron James ’ agency, Klutch Sports, according to reports.
Klutch Sports had been representing Simmons since he came into the NBA as the No1 pick in 2016. The sports agency even helped negotiate his five-year $177million contract extension in 2019.
According to ESPN sources, Simmons “needed a fresh start”. Simmons and Klutch have worked together through his highs and lows. During his five-and-a-half seasons with the 76ers, Simmons was a three-time All-Star and averaged 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 194 games from 2018-19 to 2020-21.
But Simmons’ career took a hit after the 2021 playoffs when the Sixers fell to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Simmons was heavily criticised for his performance in that series against the Hawks for averaging 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.3 steals in seven games while shooting 60 percent from the floor.
And the point guard shouldered most of the responsibility for that exit, saying he “didn’t do enough” for his teammates, while saying he has much to improve on. Simmons later requested a trade from the Sixers and didn't play at all for the franchise during the 2021-22 season after telling officials he wasn’t mentally ready to play.
The Sixers began fining Simmons for missing games, practices and meetings totalling millions of dollars. Simmons then joined the Nets in February 2022 and the deal ended up sending James Harden to Philadelphia.
A back injury stopped the 26-year-old from playing for the Nets last season and his woes have continued into this term too. In 42 games, Simmons is averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor.
The Nets find themselves sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 39-31. The Brooklyn-based franchise have 12 games left and are on course to reach the playoffs.
Following a 101-96 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, the Nets will be hoping for better luck on Sunday when they play the Denver Nuggets.
