Ben Simmons: Career Downfall, Injury, Trade & Latest News

Few NBA players have seen their career arc shift from superstar promise to cautionary tale as quickly as Ben Simmons. The No. 1 overall pick in 2016, a three-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, now finds himself on a minimum contract with the Los Angeles Clippers after a series of injuries, mental health struggles, and a very public trade saga. This article traces the key moments that reshaped his journey.

Full name: Benjamin David Simmons ·
Born: 20 July 1996 ·
NBA debut: 2017 ·
Last team: Los Angeles Clippers ·
Draft pick: 1st overall in 2016 ·
Career points per game: 13.1

Six key facts paint a clear picture of Simmons’ physical profile and career honors.

What has happened to Ben Simmons?

Injury timeline: back surgery and recovery

Simmons’ physical problems began surfacing publicly in the 2021 playoffs, but the real turning point came in March 2022 when he was diagnosed with a herniated disc in his lower back (Basketball.com.au (Australian basketball outlet)). He underwent a microdiscectomy in May 2022 and missed the remainder of that season. Back nerve damage continued to limit his availability with the Brooklyn Nets; he played only 33 of Brooklyn’s 51 games before the 2025 buyout (NBA.com (official league site)).

Impact on game performance

Before the trade and injury saga, Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Post‑trade, those numbers cratered: in the 2024‑25 season with Brooklyn he averaged just 6.2 points and 6.9 assists (NBA.com (official league site)). His field‑goal percentage also fell from 56% to 54%, and he no longer attacks the rim with the same aggression.

The implication: the combination of surgery and mental hurdles has stripped Simmons of the explosiveness that made him a Rookie of the Year.

Did LeBron unfollow Ben Simmons?

Context of the unfollowing incident

In February 2025, LeBron James unfollowed Ben Simmons on Instagram, along with two other NBA players: Blake Griffin and Kendrick Perkins (Sports Illustrated (sports magazine)). Neither LeBron nor Simmons has publicly explained the move, and the unfollowing was first noticed by social media users before being picked up by major outlets.

Reaction from fans and media

The unfollowing quickly became a symbol of Simmons’ isolation in the league. Fan forums and sports Twitter lit up with theories ranging from personal disagreement to LeBron’s frustration with Simmons’ career decisions. The incident was amplified by a repost from a Shaq-related account that read, “Over Ben Simmons? Bron that wasn’t me,” linking Shaq’s ongoing criticism to the social media action (Instagram (social media)).

Bottom line: LeBron unfollowed Simmons without explanation. For Simmons, the incident underscores how public perception of his career has shifted from star to afterthought.

The unfollowing further isolated Simmons in the league conversation, adding to the narrative of his declining reputation.

What did Shaq say about Ben Simmons?

Shaquille O’Neal’s criticism on podcast

Shaquille O’Neal has been one of the loudest critics of Ben Simmons. On The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal called Simmons overpaid and lacking effort, stating, “Everything everyone has been saying has been facts” (YouTube (media platform)). In a later 2025 appearance on Yahoo Sports, Shaq escalated his language, saying Simmons “needs to be f–king arrested” for his level of play considering his contract (Yahoo Sports (sports news site)).

Comparison with Rudy Gobert

During the same podcast run, O’Neal compared Simmons unfavorably to Rudy Gobert, another highly paid player who faced criticism. Shaq’s point: both players signed max contracts but failed to justify the money with their on‑court production in key moments.

The pattern: Shaq’s critique reflects a broader media narrative that Simmons never lived up to his 76ers max extension.

Why did Ben Simmons decline?

Physical injuries and back problems

The herniated disc diagnosed in March 2022 required surgery and has been cited as the primary physical cause of his decline (Basketball.com.au (Australian basketball outlet)). Lower back nerve damage has made explosive movements—dunking, fast‑break finishes, lateral defense—more difficult.

Mental health challenges

In an interview with GQ Australia, Simmons opened up about anxiety and mental health struggles during the 2021 playoffs, particularly after the infamous pass over an open dunk against Atlanta (GQ Australia (men’s lifestyle magazine)). He admitted the pressure contributed to his refusal to play for the 76ers.

Contract disputes and trade demand

In September 2021, Simmons told the 76ers he would not report to training camp, demanding a trade (ESPN (sports news outlet)). The team began fining him $1.3 million per missed game and placed roughly 25% of his salary ($8.25 million) in escrow. The stalemate lasted until February 2022, when he was finally sent to Brooklyn for James Harden.

The catch: the decline is a combination of physical, mental, and contractual factors—none alone explains the full collapse.

What is Ben Simmons net worth and contract status?

Current contract details

Simmons was playing on the last year of his five‑year, $177 million max extension with Brooklyn, earning about $40 million in 2024‑25. In February 2025, the Nets bought out his contract and he signed a one‑year minimum deal with the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA.com (official league site)). He becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Salary history and endorsements

His rookie contract was worth $27.3 million over four years. The max extension pushed his career earnings above $200 million before the buyout. Off the court, Simmons has endorsement deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and others, contributing to an estimated net worth of around $80 million (Basketball.com.au (Australian basketball outlet)).

Is Ben Simmons a free agent?

Yes. After the 2024‑25 season, Simmons will be an unrestricted free agent. Given his recent production and injury history, he is unlikely to command more than a minimum or partially guaranteed contract from any team.

For Simmons, the financial cushion is thick, but the next contract will be a fraction of the max deal he once held.

Ben Simmons career timeline

• July 20, 1996 – Born in Melbourne, Australia
• June 23, 2016 – Drafted No. 1 overall by Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN (sports news outlet))
• 2018 – Won NBA Rookie of the Year (Basketball.com.au (Australian basketball outlet))
• 2019-2021 – Three All‑Star selections
• 2021 playoffs – Passed up open dunk vs Atlanta Hawks; controversy begins (GQ Australia (men’s lifestyle magazine))
• September 2021 – Told 76ers he would not report; requested trade (ESPN (sports news outlet))
• February 10, 2022 – Traded to Brooklyn Nets for James Harden (NBA.com (official league site))
• 2022-23 – Back surgery; missed full season (Basketball.com.au (Australian basketball outlet))
• 2023-24 – Returned to play 57 games for Nets
• February 2024 – Bought out by Nets; signed with Los Angeles Clippers (NBA.com (official league site))
• February 2025 – LeBron James unfollows Simmons on Instagram (Sports Illustrated (sports magazine))

This timeline shows a rapid fall from grace, marked by injury and controversy.

What we know and what we don’t

The gap between confirmed facts and uncertainties leaves room for speculation about Simmons’ future.

Voices on Simmons

“Everything everyone has been saying has been facts.”

— Shaquille O’Neal, The Big Podcast with Shaq (YouTube)

“I’m not sure if he’s a championship point guard.”

— Doc Rivers, former 76ers head coach, post‑playoff press conference (ESPN)

“I’m not going to lie, I had some dark times. I didn’t want to do anything. I didn’t want to leave my room.”

— Ben Simmons, GQ Australia interview (GQ Australia)

For Clippers executive Lawrence Frank, signing Simmons on a minimum contract is a low‑risk gamble; for Simmons, it’s his last realistic chance to prove he can still contribute at an NBA level. The next twelve months will determine whether he remains in the league as a rotational piece or fades into journeyman obscurity.

Related reading: Victor Wembanyama: Height, Injury, Biography & Stats Explained · Ja Morant: Stats, Injury, Suspension, and Net Worth in 2025

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