Ben Simmons, 30, Eyes NBA Comeback with Sacramento Kings on One-Year Deal
The Sacramento Kings have officially announced the signing of former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, a move that signals a determined NBA comeback for the three-time All-Star. According to a report by sportsamo.com, Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, bringing a highly anticipated narrative to the upcoming season. The 30-year-old guard/forward notably sat out the entire 2025-26 season, dedicating his time to rehabilitation from persistent back and leg injuries that have plagued his career.
Simmons’ journey back to the NBA hardwood has been a prominent storyline throughout the offseason. His commitment to returning was underscored last month when he traveled to Melbourne, participating in a player-led minicamp for the Australian national team. This marked a significant personal milestone, as Simmons had not represented his country since his teenage years in 2013, having missed the last three Olympic cycles due to various setbacks and professional obligations. His last appearance in an NBA game dates back to the 2024-25 season, where he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, participating in 51 games. During that period, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, showcasing glimpses of his unique playmaking and defensive skills despite his physical limitations.
Interestingly, the Sacramento Kings’ interest in Ben Simmons is not a recent development. Records indicate that the franchise, under its previous front office led by former general manager Monte McNair, actively pursued the erstwhile Philadelphia 76ers star back at the 2022 trade deadline. While those negotiations ultimately led the Kings to pivot, trading Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster deal centered around Domantas Sabonis, the foundational intrigue in Simmons’ skillset remained. Just days after the Sabonis trade, the 76ers themselves moved Simmons to Brooklyn in a high-profile exchange for James Harden, marking a tumultuous end to his tenure in Philadelphia. Since being drafted first overall in 2016, Simmons has played a mere 108 NBA games across four seasons following his departure from the 76ers, a stark contrast to the robust careers typically expected of top picks.
The decision by the Kings to sign Simmons was not without competition. Reports from various outlets indicated that the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors also considered adding Simmons to their rosters before he ultimately committed to Sacramento. This demonstrates that despite his injury history and extended absence, there remains a league-wide recognition of his potentially transformative talent. For Simmons, Sacramento represents his fourth NBA team, a new chapter that both player and franchise hope will prove to be a mutually beneficial endeavor.
Why Simmons Could Be a Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing for the Kings
For the second consecutive offseason, the Sacramento Kings have opted for a strategic, late-offseason acquisition of a former NBA All-Star, highlighting a pattern of seeking high-upside talent on cost-effective deals. Last year, the Kings notably signed future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook just weeks before training camp, aiming to bolster a thin point guard rotation. Westbrook, despite initial skepticism given the earlier multi-year signing of Dennis Schröder, exceeded expectations, delivering significant value on his veteran minimum contract before electing to retire this offseason, despite rumored interest from Sacramento and the Washington Wizards.
Westbrook’s retirement has once again left the Kings with a glaring need for depth at the point guard position, especially with training camp rapidly approaching. The team drafted Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 pick, projecting the rookie to step into the starting point guard role on opening night. However, the depth behind Acuff is undeniably thin. Malik Monk is currently the only other player on the roster with significant experience operating as a primary ball-handler in spot minutes over the past few seasons. This is precisely where the signing of Ben Simmons, despite his nearly 18-month absence from competitive NBA action, finds its rationale.
The 6-foot-10 Simmons, throughout his career, has primarily operated as a point forward, a unique archetype capable of initiating offense, facilitating plays, and defending multiple positions. His skillset aligns perfectly with the Kings’ current need for versatile playmaking and defensive presence. He can provide crucial depth behind Acuff, potentially serving as a mentor for the young rookie, guiding him through the rigors of the NBA. Furthermore, Simmons’ ability to play various roles could offer significant strategic flexibility to the coaching staff, whether as a primary facilitator off the bench or even an interim starter should Acuff face early challenges.
Financially, the one-year, $3.5 million deal is a veteran minimum contract, making it an exceptionally low-risk proposition for Sacramento. If Simmons can rehabilitate his value with the Kings, even in a backup capacity, he could transform into a valuable trade asset at the deadline, or position himself for a more lucrative contract next offseason. Conversely, if the experiment fails due to recurring injuries or an inability to adapt, the financial commitment is negligible, and the team can simply move on without significant repercussions. This “it will be like it never happened” scenario is the hallmark of a smart, low-risk signing in the NBA.
A Defining Moment for a Polarizing Star
Ben Simmons has arguably been one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA over the last decade. His career has been a rollercoaster of soaring highs and precipitous lows, particularly during his tumultuous tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers. As a rookie, he immediately showcased his generational talent, winning Rookie of the Year and quickly ascending to All-Star status. During his prime with the Sixers, Simmons was a consistent triple-double threat, a DPOY candidate, and an elite playmaker whose court vision and defensive versatility were unparalleled. He averaged career highs of 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in the 2019-20 season, demonstrating his incredible all-around impact. However, his well-documented struggles with shooting, particularly from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, created an enduring narrative that overshadowed his significant strengths, ultimately leading to a contentious exit from Philadelphia.
His subsequent stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers saw a dramatic decline in his statistical output and, more importantly, his availability and willingness to shoot. Injuries became a recurring nightmare, limiting his game appearances and severely curtailing his effectiveness. The mental toll of these physical setbacks and the constant public scrutiny undoubtedly impacted his performance, leading to a diminished presence on the court. His averages of 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in his last active season (2024-25) are a stark reminder of how far he has fallen from his All-Star peak.
This season with the Sacramento Kings represents a critical juncture for Simmons. After a full year out of the league, this comeback attempt could be the defining moment that either revitalizes his professional career or signals its premature end. His unique skillset, characterized by elite passing, defensive prowess, and incredible transition play, made him a standout talent. However, his scoring, and perhaps more crucially, his willingness to actively seek out shots, decreased precipitously in his post-Sixers years. The challenge for Simmons now is to re-engage with the competitive fire, buy into a potentially new role, and demonstrate that he can contribute meaningfully to a team not expected to contend immediately.
How Simmons adapts to this environment, how he manages his health, and how he embraces a role that might be different from his previous star-level expectations will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to provide mentorship, stabilize the second unit, and potentially be a defensive anchor will determine whether the clock ultimately runs out on his NBA career or if he can prolong it for several more seasons. For the Kings, a franchise looking to solidify its young core and take incremental steps forward, Simmons’ journey is an intriguing subplot, offering both considerable risk and the tantalizing possibility of a significant, unexpected reward.
