Ben Simmons returns to NBA as Kings agree one-year deal
Sacramento Kings have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million veteran minimum contract with former All-Star Ben Simmons, giving the Australian another opportunity to revive his NBA career.
Simmons, the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, will return to the league after sitting out the 2025-26 season. The 30-year-old guard joins Sacramento as the franchise looks to add experience behind rookie point guard Darius Acuff.
The deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, is worth the veteran minimum, although it remains unclear whether the contract is fully guaranteed.
For Simmons, the move represents another chance to re-establish himself in the NBA after several injury-hit seasons and a prolonged period away from competitive basketball.
Kings turn to Simmons after Westbrook retirement
Sacramento had been searching for an experienced point guard who could provide minutes off the bench while also helping Acuff adjust to the demands of his first NBA season.
The Kings had explored a reunion with Russell Westbrook, but the veteran guard opted to retire. Sacramento also held discussions with Victor Oladipo and had other experienced guards available, including Gabe Vincent and Cameron Payne.
Ultimately, the Kings chose Simmons, whose size, defensive ability and passing remain attractive despite his recent struggles with availability and scoring.
Simmons last played during the 2024-25 season, when he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in 18 games for the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes per game.
He was not part of the Clippers' playoff rotation but showed enough defensively and as a secondary ball-handler to suggest he could still contribute in a limited veteran role.
Injury history remains the biggest question
The biggest uncertainty surrounding Simmons is his physical condition. Back problems have significantly disrupted his career since the 2021-22 season, with the former All-Star undergoing multiple procedures and missing extended stretches of action.
He managed to stay relatively healthy during his final season with Brooklyn and his stint in Los Angeles, but his lack of NBA action last season makes his readiness for a full campaign difficult to assess.
Simmons did participate in a training camp with the Australian national team during the summer, providing him with some competitive preparation ahead of his return to the NBA.
What Simmons could offer Sacramento
At his best, Simmons gives Sacramento something few backup guards can match: a 6-foot-10 playmaker capable of defending multiple positions.
His passing remains his most obvious offensive strength, while his ability to push the ball in transition could complement Sacramento's younger players.
However, his reluctance and limited effectiveness as a perimeter shooter have long restricted how teams can use him offensively. The Kings will therefore need to build his role around his strengths rather than expect him to suddenly become a high-volume scorer.
For Acuff, meanwhile, having a three-time All-Star around him could provide valuable experience as he begins his professional career.
The contract also carries relatively little financial risk for Sacramento at the veteran minimum.
Simmons now has the opportunity to prove that, despite the setbacks of recent years, he can still be a useful NBA rotation player.
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