Ben Simmons' season-ending surgery gives Nets a lot to think about

Simmons hasn't played above 60 games since the 2018-19 season. He missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season due to a holdout and back injury. He saw the court 42 times for the Nets last season. 

He's only participated in 15 games during this campaign. He is currently in the fourth year of his five-year, $177 million deal. That contract is widely seen as one of the worst returns on investment in the NBA. 

With such a string of injury issues and unavailability, Simmons is fortunate the final year of his contract doesn't have a team option. His tenure in the NBA is looking increasingly precarious.

Brooklyn would be wise to explore its options with Simmons in the summer. Expiring contracts, especially those of significant value, are often considered valuable trade chips. 

It gives a franchise a legitimate way of shedding salary. The Nets may view any potential return on a Simmons deal as more beneficial than having the veteran on their roster next season.

There's no denying that Simmons is talented. When he's healthy and on the court with confidence, he's one of the best two-way players in the NBA. 

However, we haven't seen that version of him in almost five years. Eventually, we have to see him for the player he is rather than the one he used to be. 

Of course, Simmons could bounce back next season. If he can get the treatment he needs for his back issue, we could see him reemerge as one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA. 

Unfortunately for Simmons, teams have been telling themselves that for multiple years. The Nets may choose to give him one more season to prove himself. 

However, it doesn't matter what team he's suiting up for next season; what matters is that he begins to produce. Otherwise, his NBA career could come to an end in the summer of 2025.