Ben Simmons is officially returning to the NBA after spending the entire 2025-26 season away from the league to rehabilitate his body. The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings to fill their final open roster spot ahead of the upcoming season.
According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears, the signing follows extensive physical evaluations and meetings in Sacramento. Simmons traveled to the facility, underwent rigorous medical examinations, participated in on-court workouts, and met with head coach Doug Christie and front-office personnel, including general manager Scott Perry.
Addressing Critics and Overcoming Injuries
Speaking to media members on Monday, September 28, 2026, during Sacramento Kings media day, Simmons directly addressed his critics. He asserted that lingering physical injuries rather than a lack of passion or dedication kept him off the hardwood last season.
The 30-year-old guard-forward missed the entirety of the previous campaign while recovering from chronic back problems and a series of leg injuries. These physical setbacks severely limited his playing time, restricting him to just 108 total games between the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons split across stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
Prior to finalizing his deal with Sacramento, Simmons participated in Australia’s players-only minicamp, where both national team officials and Kings evaluators reported that he looked physically strong and moved well.
Expected Role With the Sacramento Kings
The Kings finished with a 22-60 record last season and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The franchise is now taking a low-risk, high-reward gamble on the former No. 1 overall pick. Sources indicate that Sacramento plans to utilize Simmons primarily as a backup point guard behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., whom the franchise selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Analysts note that Simmons will not be expected to serve as a formal mentor to the younger players given his own recent hiatus. However, his elite passing, defensive versatility, and size will offer head coach Doug Christie a unique tactical weapon off the bench.
During his last active NBA stretch in 2024-25, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per contest. At his absolute peak, the 6-foot-10 playmaker earned an All-NBA selection, two All-Defensive team nods, and career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Team Dynamics and Roster Fit
Sacramento’s front office believes Simmons can seamlessly fit into second units alongside existing veterans like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk. Although his shooting limitations remain well-documented, including a complete lack of three-point attempts in his most recent season, his capability to orchestrate the offense and defend multiple positions gives the backcourt a completely different dynamic.
With a clean bill of health and a fresh start in Northern California, Ben Simmons enters his tenth NBA season with a point to prove. He aims to demonstrate that he can still be a valuable contributor at the highest level.
