Image Source: ESPN
Ben Simmons is officially returning to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. The deal, reported by ESPN and Andscape, gives the former No. 1 overall pick another opportunity to revive his career after missing the entire 2025-26 season.
The agreement was confirmed Friday through Simmonsâ agents, Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney. The 30-year-old guard-forward is expected to provide Sacramento with defensive versatility, playmaking and experience while backing up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.
Ben Simmons Secures a Critical NBA Comeback
Simmons spent last season rehabilitating lingering back and leg injuries. His physical condition had become a major question after several difficult seasons, but his recent performances convinced the Kings that he could still contribute.
Sacramento general manager Scott Perry was impressed after Simmons worked out in Miami. The player later traveled to Sacramento, where he completed an extensive medical examination, participated in an on-court workout and met with head coach Doug Christie and the rest of the coaching staff.
Those meetings reportedly helped reassure the Kings that Simmons was healthy enough to compete. The organization believes the versatile veteran can play multiple positions, potentially covering spots one through five depending on the matchup.
A High-Upside Opportunity in Sacramento
The Kings view Simmons as a high-upside reclamation project. While his recent production has declined, his passing ability, size and defensive instincts remain unusual for a player who can handle the ball.
His expected role will initially involve supporting Acuff, the rookie point guard, while providing Sacramento with another experienced option in the backcourt. The Kings also need depth after waiving DeMar DeRozan in July and deciding not to re-sign Russell Westbrook.
Sacramento finished last season with a 22-60 record, tying for the worst mark in the Western Conference. That difficult campaign has created an opportunity for Simmons to take on a meaningful role if he can remain healthy and regain confidence.
- Contract: One year, $3.5 million
- Team: Sacramento Kings
- Expected role: Backup point guard and versatile rotation player
- Age: 30
- Last NBA appearance: April 29, 2025
Why Ben Simmonsâ Return Matters
Simmons entered the NBA as the first overall selection by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 draft after playing college basketball at LSU. He won Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2020.
At his best, Simmons was a powerful transition player and elite facilitator. He has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals across 383 regular-season games with the 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers.
However, injuries and extended absences have interrupted his career. Simmons missed his first professional season with a foot injury, sat out the entire 2021-22 campaign during a trade-related dispute and later dealt with mental health concerns and recurring back problems.
After being bought out by Brooklyn in February 2025, Simmons joined the Clippers. He averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 18 games while playing limited minutes. His final NBA appearance came in Game 5 of the Clippersâ first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on April 29, 2025.
Health and Confidence Will Define the Next Chapter
Simmons made encouraging progress during an Australian national team minicamp in early August. He was a full participant and reportedly played well, helping rebuild his market value after a long period away from the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors also expressed interest, but neither team offered him a contract. Sacramento became the only NBA organization to make a firm offer, giving Simmons a clear path back into professional basketball.
The biggest challenge now will be consistency. If Simmons can stay healthy, defend multiple positions and create opportunities for teammates, he could become an important piece of Sacramentoâs rotation. If not, his return may remain a brief experiment.
For now, the Kings are betting on talent, versatility and motivation. Simmons has said he feels healthier than he has in years, and Sacramento will hope that renewed confidence translates into a productive NBA comeback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contract did Ben Simmons sign?
Ben Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.
When did Ben Simmons last play in the NBA?
His last NBA appearance was April 29, 2025, when he played for the LA Clippers against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
Why did Ben Simmons miss the 2025-26 season?
He missed the season while rehabilitating lingering back and leg injuries.
What role is Simmons expected to have with the Kings?
He is expected to serve as a backup point guard for rookie Darius Acuff Jr. while providing positional versatility throughout the lineup.
