Ben Simmons is poised to make his return to the NBA after a year-long hiatus due to injuries, having agreed to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. A source familiar with the situation confirmed the signing to The Associated Press, although the official announcement has yet to be made.
According to reports from ESPN, Simmons will earn $3.5 million in this new deal. The 30-year-old Australian, who was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has had a tumultuous career marked by both accolades and challenges. A three-time All-Star and the 2018 Rookie of the Year, Simmons has struggled with injuries and performance issues in recent seasons, which ultimately led to him sitting out the entire 2025-26 season due to back and leg problems.
Last season, Simmons ended his time with the Los Angeles Clippers in a reserve role, contributing to a disappointing season for both him and the team. The Kings, coming off a difficult 22-60 season, are looking to revitalize their roster, particularly around rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who was selected seventh overall in the draft following a standout freshman year at Arkansas. With the recent waiving of DeMar DeRozan and the decision not to retain Russell Westbrook, Sacramento is in search of experienced players to help guide their young talent.
The Kings view Simmons as a valuable asset, particularly for his defensive versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions on the court will be crucial for Sacramento, and he is expected to serve as a backup point guard to Acuff while also filling various roles as needed.
Simmons's career took a downturn after he missed the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health issues and injuries, alongside his desire to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022 trade deadline but struggled to find his footing, averaging just 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists during his time with both the Nets and Clippers.
Despite his early promise in Philadelphia, where he quickly established himself as a star player, Simmons has faced significant hurdles in recent years. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 and earned All-Star selections for the next three seasons, along with a third-team All-NBA nod and first-team All-Defense honors in 2019-20 and 2020-21. However, the struggles that followed have overshadowed his early success, raising questions about his future in the league.
As Simmons embarks on this new chapter with the Kings, the organization hopes he can regain his form and contribute meaningfully to their rebuilding efforts in the upcoming season.
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