Ben Simmons Current Team and Contract Status
Ben Simmons remains under contract with the Brooklyn Nets after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. His current deal is a five-year, 10-year maximum contract extension worth over $100 million, with the final two seasons fully guaranteed. The Nets hold his player rights, and his cap hit for the 2024-25 season is approximately $33 million, making him one of the highest-paid players on the roster. He is listed as a point guard and power forward, and his contract runs through the 2026-27 NBA season. The trade sent Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and a first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for James Harden and Paul George.
Simmons has not played a regular-season game since the 2021-22 NBA playoffs, when he suffered a torn meniscus and later a back injury that required surgery. The Nets placed him on the injured list, and he has been rehabilitating in private. His absence has created a significant fantasy basketball and betting market impact, with many analysts ranking him as a high-risk, low-reward player for the current season. The team has not ruled out a return, but no official game-ready date has been announced by the Nets medical staff or head coach Jacque Vaughn.
Injury Timeline and Medical Updates
The initial injury occurred during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, when Simmons hyperextended his knee. An MRI confirmed a torn meniscus, and he underwent surgery performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The recovery timeline was initially set at four to six weeks, but a subsequent back injury, identified as a lumbar disc issue, delayed his return. He missed the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, and the Nets have not cleared him for full team activities as of the latest public reports.
The Nets' medical team has used a graded return-to-play protocol, including individual shooting sessions, strength training, and non-contact drills. No official practice footage or game simulation has been released by the team. The lack of on-court activity has fueled speculation about his long-term viability as a starting-caliber player, and several NBA analysts have noted that his contract value is now tied to a potential comeback rather than current production. The situation remains fluid, and the team's front office has not provided a definitive timeline for his return to competitive play.
Trade Rumors and Future Outlook
Trade rumors surrounding Ben Simmons have persisted since his move to Brooklyn, with multiple outlets reporting that the Nets have explored deals to move his contract. However, no formal trade discussions have been confirmed by the team, and the salary cap rules make a straight trade difficult without matching salary and draft picks. The Nets have also explored a buyout scenario, but Simmons' agent has not publicly engaged in those talks. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement allows teams to place a player on waivers, but the Nets have chosen to keep him on the roster for now.
From a fantasy sports perspective, Simmons is considered a zero-value asset for the 2024-25 season, with most platforms listing him as inactive or out for the year. His ESPN and Yahoo Fantasy rankings have dropped to the bottom of the league, and he is not rostered in the majority of fantasy leagues. The NBA's official injury report system lists him as day-to-day, but the lack of recent practice participation suggests a longer absence. For the latest updates on his status, you can check the official NBA injury report page at NBA.com Injury Report and the Brooklyn Nets' official roster page at