Why did Ben Simmons leave Klutch Sport Group? Reasons behind his sudden decision explored

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons is parting ways with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Friday that Simmons and the agency have decided to mutually break up their partnership that began in 2016.

Ramona Shelburne

@ramonashelburne

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports have mutually decided to part ways, sources told ESPN. Simmons had been represented by Klutch since he came into the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2016. The agency negotiated his five-year $177 million extension in 2019.

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Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports have mutually decided to part ways, sources told ESPN. Simmons had been represented by Klutch since he came into the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2016. The agency negotiated his five-year $177 million extension in 2019.

The trade that sent him to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022 was one of the biggest factors of why Simmons decided to change agency.

Things have gone downhill for Simmons after his controversial sequence against the Atlanta Hawks, when the then-Philadelphia 76er was hesitant to shoot the basketball in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in June 2021.

Simmons, who last played on Feb. 15, is averaging career lows in points (6.9 per game), rebounds (6.3) and assists (6.1). He has more fouls (139) than shots made (133) this season.

Simmons is planning on hiring Bernie Lee as his new agent. Lee represents players like Jimmy Butler, Khris Dunn and Justin Holiday.

Jon Krawczynski

@JonKrawczynski

Ben Simmons is expected to hire veteran agent Bernie Lee, who has a long history of guiding clients through difficult spots, sources said. Lee also reps Jimmy Butler, Justin Holiday and Kris Dunn, among other players.

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Ben Simmons is expected to hire veteran agent Bernie Lee, who has a long history of guiding clients through difficult spots, sources said. Lee also reps Jimmy Butler, Justin Holiday and Kris Dunn, among other players.

Can Ben Simmons bounce back from his downfall?

Before entering the league, Ben Simmons was hyped to be one of the best players in the country. That was true until the fans realized that his shooting was slowly bringing him down. Still, he performed well for four seasons despite not having a reliable shooting touch in his arsenal.

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Now, in his first season with the Nets, Simmons is having the worst season of his career. He's averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 56.6% from the field. The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging a career-low in almost all of the categories.

It seems Simmons has the access to improve on his weaknesses, he just chooses not to. The Nets even hired former sharp-shooter Kyle Korver as one of the player development coaches in 2021. We've also seen players who have struggled with shooting work in their game after receiving public backlash.

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If Simmons has the desire to still be a star in the league, he'll have to show eagerness to work where he lacks. The team has done their part in trying to help him improve on certain aspects of his game. It's now up to the Australian forward to put in the time and effort needed for him to bounce back.

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