Right now, the NBA world might feel like a calm place after the storm. Ahead of the trade deadline, the dynamics of the league kept changing as the teams engaged in power moves over the last few days. No one can forget the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade swap that the Lakers managed to pull in the years to come. But the drama isn’t over yet, as the buyout market popped out, ultimately opening doors for more player movement. Despite the pivotal chance, Ben Simmons’ future hangs on a thin thread.

An ESPN report stated that the Brooklyn Nets are working on a buyout for the Aussie baller, who is in the last year of his 5-year $177.2 million extension. Amid this situation, a particular reason holds off teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, and a few others from signing him.

In short, let me clear a few confusions. Yes, the teams can sign buyout players after the deadline. It’s a buyout when a player and the team come to an agreement where a portion of their annual salary will be released. The buyout market also consists of players whose contracts are outrightly waived. One of the common links between these players is that they will be on an expiring contract. So, waiving the contract will make them a free agent and the other teams can re-sign them.

However, at the same time, not all teams can sign them. Under the current CBA, the teams over the first and second apron tax can’t sign players, whose previous salary was greater than $12.8 million. Unfortunately, Ben Simmons holds a $40.3 million salary for the last year of his contract. So, teams that are above the tax ceiling – Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, Wolves, Knicks, and Suns – can’t trade Simmons.

Is there any way out for Ben Simmons?

The Australian guard emerged as one of the promising talents after his 2017-18 rookie season. But things didn’t go the way everyone expected. The star point guard’s career was ultimately cut short with injuries. Moreover, the 28-year-old, who impressed the NBA world in his debut season, slowly lost his confidence and became a reluctant shooter.

Post his trade to the Nets from the Sixers, Ben Simmons has been on and off the team, dealing with a lower back injury. Precisely, he wasn’t making any impact. Through the course of 5-year extension that he signed with the Philly side, fans anticipate the star making a comeback in every fresh season. The off-season work videos go viral only to leave the fans disappointed. This season wasn’t any different. Out of 49 games, he has already missed 16 games, dealing with injury management.

Now that the Nets have decided to give up on the star, as they are waiving him in the coming days, does he have any future left in the league? Fortunately, yes. A recent report suggested that the LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in re-signing him. Will it be the change that will bring out the fire in Simmons? Let us know in the comments.