The Los Angeles Clippers recently signed Ben Simmons after he reached a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, is entering this new chapter with optimism and has assured fans that he is fully healthy. However, Simmons was not without other suitors, as the Dallas Mavericks had their sights on him.
NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that the Mavericks were strongly interested in adding Simmons to their roster. The Mavericks reportedly wanted to pair him with Kyrie Irving and newly acquired Anthony Davis, envisioning him as a versatile small-ball center.
“League sources say that Dallas had an interest in joining the buyout market, bidding for Ben Simmons. He swiftly joined the LA Clippers after negotiating his release from the Brooklyn Nets and held appeal to the Mavericks as a small-ball center,” Stein reported.
The Mavericks were reportedly interested in pairing Ben Simmons up with Kyrie & AD, per @TheSteinLine 👀 pic.twitter.com/0uEOLTQsAY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 14, 2025
Stein also reported that financial constraints made it difficult for Dallas to make a serious offer. The franchise is already facing backlash from its fan base following the high-profile Luka Doncic trade. But its financial situation left little room for maneuvering.
“The Mavericks, though, sit less than $200,000 away from the NBA’s first luxury-tax apron even after Davis waived his trade kicker upon learning that the Lakers were dealing him to Dallas for Doncic,” Stein added.
Baron Davis Believes Ben Simmons Can Thrive With The Clippers
Former NBA star Baron Davis recently shared his thoughts on Simmons’ potential during an episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. Davis shared that Simmons has multiple paths to success with the Clippers, depending on how he approaches his role.
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“If the Clippers can count on him for anything, whether he comes to play hard, he’ll be super successful. If he wants to be a defender, they’ll be super successful,” Davis said.
Ben Simmons’ debut performance against the Utah Jazz showed glimpses of what he can bring to the team. In 27 minutes, Simmons put up 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Also Read: Daniel Gafford Injury Update: How Long Will Mavericks Forward Remain Out Of Action?
