Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is reportedly set to split with his longtime agency Klutch Sports. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the two sides “mutually” decided to part ways earlier this week.
Klutch Sports represented Simmons since he entered the NBA as the No.1 pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft. The agency negotiated the five-year, $177 million rookie extension Simmons signed with the 76ers in 2019 and helped him land endorsement deals with Nike and Beats by Dre, among other brands.
The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski later reported that Simmons already has a new agent in mind and expects to sign with industry veteran Bernie Lee. The list of players that Lee represents includes Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, Dallas Mavericks’ Justin Holiday, and Utah Jazz’s Kris Dunn.
Ben Simmons is currently having the toughest stretch of his career. In 42 games he played in 2022-23, he has been averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, all career-worst. The 26-year-old hasn’t played a single game since mid-February, being sidelined with left knee soreness.
It remains to be seen whether Lee can help Simmons navigate recent struggles and help him return to his previous level. While with the 76ers, Simmons earned three All-Star nods and was selected in the NBA All-Defensive First Team twice.
