Ben Simmons Signs One-Year Contract With Sacramento Kings

Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million USD with the Sacramento Kings, signaling his return to the National Basketball Association after a season-long absence. The 30-year-old former All-Star completed his medical examinations and participated in an on-court workout with Kings personnel in Sacramento. This agreement comes after Simmons missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season to focus on rehabilitating persistent back and leg injuries. The Kings organization, led by General Manager Scott Perry, was reportedly impressed by Simmons' performance during a private workout session held in Miami. Following this, Simmons traveled to Sacramento to undergo thorough medical evaluations and participate in on-court drills under the guidance of Head Coach Doug Christie. Simmons had previously demonstrated his improved physical condition during a minicamp in August with the Australian men's national basketball team, an event that also attracted attention from other NBA franchises, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. The Sacramento Kings plan to integrate Simmons into their roster primarily as a backup point guard, providing support for rookie Darius Acuff Jr. His defensive capabilities and versatility across all five playing positions are expected to be key assets for the team. Simmons, who was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, has established career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. These statistics were accumulated over 383 regular-season games played with three previous NBA teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the LA Clippers. His official addition to the Sacramento Kings roster is set to occur in anticipation of the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The contract details confirm a one-year term with a total value of $3.5 million USD, positioning him as a valuable, albeit short-term, addition to the team's depth and strategic options. His return is a significant development for both Simmons and the Kings, offering a chance for him to reignite his career and for the team to leverage his unique skill set.