Holding a full middle class exception, but the Clippers are likely not to sign Simmons back this summer?

American media HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto talked about the possible personnel changes that the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. Scotto said sources revealed to him that unless a big deal happens, the Clippers are expected to have a full-time middle-class special case this summer. To improve the team's roster depth, they will consider pursuing a substitute point guard and an inside player who can defend and protect the basket. As for what kind of contract the Clippers will use this exception, it all depends on the specific situation of the market. It is not yet certain that this full middle-class special will be used on one player or will be split and used to sign multiple players. Scotto also said that the situation for Ben Simmons, who is about to become a free agent, is uncertain, and it is not yet certain whether the Clippers will sign him back.

After completing a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets in the second half of this season and joining the Clippers, Simmons made a total of 18 appearances in the NBA regular season, averaging 16.4 minutes per game, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks, and 0.8 turnovers and 1.4 fouls, with a shooting percentage of 43.4% and a free throw percentage of 85.7%. In the playoffs, Simmons played 5 games in a total of 8.4 minutes per game, with averaging 0.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.8 blocks, 0.4 turnovers and 2.2 fouls, with a shooting percentage of 33.3%. Although Simmons performed poorly on the offensive end and lacked basic scoring ability in the regular season, he still showed some characteristics in passing and organizing offense, and his contribution to the defensive end is also relatively high. As a result, in the playoffs, Simmons' disadvantages in scoring and shooting ability were completely amplified. He can indeed play a certain role on the defensive end, but this cannot make up for the negative impact he has caused to the team on the offensive end. Therefore, Simmons played less and less during the playoffs, and in the last two games, he fell out of the rotation lineup and had to watch it from the wall.

Judging from the current situation, Simmons' tactical system with the Clippers and the adaptability to the team's backcourt core James Harden is really too low. Simmons seriously dragged down the team's space on the court, and in the playoffs, the Clippers even had to arrange him as the substitute center. Therefore, the Clippers should not sign Simmons back next season. They should also find a way to find a substitute point guard who can complete the organization and score. He also needs to be able to play a more important role on the offensive end. I don’t know where Simmons will go next, and what kind of contract can he get this summer?