Ben Simmons: Ben Simmons is heading back to the NBA. The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.
The deal was reported Friday by Andscape and ESPN's Shams Charania. Simmons' agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney confirmed the news.
Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 season. He spent that time rehabbing chronic back and leg injuries.
He is now healthy, according to those close to the situation.
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound guard-forward impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry during a workout in Miami.
The two also held an hourlong meeting in late August.
Simmons later traveled to Sacramento. He visited the team's practice facility on Monday.
He underwent a thorough medical exam and completed an on-court workout. Kings coach Doug Christie and other members of the basketball staff came away impressed.
Days later, the Kings extended a contract offer. The team envisions Simmons as a backup point guard behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
He is expected to see time at multiple positions, from point guard to power forward.
For Sacramento, Simmons represents a high-upside reclamation project. The team believes he still has prime years ahead of him.
Simmons boosted his stock over the summer. He was a full participant in an early August minicamp with Australia's men's national basketball team and played well.
That performance drew interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.
Both teams reportedly considered inviting him to training camp. The Kings, however, were the only team to actually offer him a contract.
A source said Simmons is excited about the opportunity in Sacramento. He reportedly believes the organization will provide the support he needs for his comeback.
The Kings enter this offseason after a rough 2025-26 campaign. They finished 22-60, tying for the worst record in the Western Conference.
The team also made major roster changes this summer. Sacramento waived DeMar DeRozan in July.
It also chose not to re-sign free agent Russell Westbrook. Those moves left a clear need at guard.
Simmons' NBA journey began in 2016. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall out of LSU. He is a native of Melbourne, Australia.
Simmons won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018. He earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2020.
His career has also been marked by setbacks. He missed the entire 2016-17 season with a foot injury.
He then sat out the 2021-22 season amid a trade holdout, mental health struggles and physical issues.
Across 383 regular-season games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals.
He has suited up for the 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers. The Nets bought out his contract in February 2025.
He then joined the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 18 games. Back issues limited his playing time that stretch.
His most recent NBA appearance came in Game 5 of the first round against the Denver Nuggets.
Simmons told Andscape in July that he felt healthier than he had in years. He said at the time that he believed he was ready to return to the league.
Away from basketball, Simmons expanded his business interests.
He purchased a 50% ownership stake in the South Florida Sails, a professional angling club, in December 2025. He now serves as the team's controlling operator.
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