Simmons was already going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but his $40 million contract this season made it impossible for the Nets to trade him for even the tiniest

The Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons are working toward a contract buyout, a league source said Friday, and Simmons will meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers and Houston Rockets as he decides on his next destination. ESPN was first to report news of the buyout.

Unfortunately, then, that immediately disqualifies the following teams: Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets. The Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks are also very close to the first apron and could struggle to sign him as well.