Former Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is set to embark on a new chapter in his NBA career after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. This move comes after a year of inactivity in the league, during which Simmons did not play in the 2025-26 season despite interest from various teams. The Kings are hoping to revitalize Simmons’ career, which had been marked by injuries and inconsistent performances during his time in Brooklyn.
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Simmons traveled to Sacramento earlier this week for extensive medical evaluations, an on-court workout, and meetings with Kings coach Doug Christie and other staff members. This visit was crucial for both Simmons and the Kings as it provided an opportunity to assess his readiness to compete at the highest level again. In late August, Simmons had also worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry, indicating a proactive approach to finding a suitable team.
At 30 years old, Simmons holds impressive career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game across 383 NBA games. His shooting percentages are noteworthy as well, with a field goal percentage of 55.8% and a free throw percentage of 59.2%. However, his time with the Nets was less productive, as he averaged only 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game over four seasons, shooting 56.2% from the field and 50.0% from the free-throw line. This decline raised questions about his future in the league, making his recent signing with the Kings a critical moment for his career.
During his time away from the court, Simmons channeled his energy into other ventures, notably becoming the controlling owner of the South Florida Sails, a team in the Sport Fishing Championship. This involvement in fishing reflects his diverse interests outside of basketball, but the Kings are optimistic that his passion for the game will reignite now that he has the opportunity to play again.
As Simmons prepares to join the Kings, the franchise is looking to leverage his unique skill set, including his size and passing ability, to enhance their roster. The Kings, who have been striving to return to playoff contention, see Simmons as a potential key contributor. His ability to facilitate plays and rebound could complement the existing talent on the team, making this a significant signing as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings is a promising development for both the player and the franchise. After a year away from competitive basketball, Simmons is eager to prove himself and contribute meaningfully to his new team, while the Kings hope his resurgence can help them achieve their goals in the league.
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