Ben Simmons is officially getting another chance in the NBA.
The former No. 1 overall pick has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, marking his return to the league after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season while dealing with longstanding back problems.
The move gives Ben Simmons an opportunity to revive a career that once appeared destined for superstardom. The 30-year-old guard is a three-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, but injuries and limited availability have dramatically changed the trajectory of his NBA career.
Ben Simmons Agrees to Kings Contract
Simmons’ agreement with Sacramento represents his latest attempt at an NBA comeback. The deal was confirmed by his representatives and reported by ESPN, with Reuters also reporting the one-year, $3.5 million agreement.
The Kings are expected to use Simmons primarily as veteran depth at point guard behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., whom Sacramento selected No. 7 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Sacramento had reportedly explored veteran options including Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo before settling on Simmons. The New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors were also among the teams linked with interest in the veteran guard.
Why Ben Simmons’ NBA Return Matters
Simmons entered the NBA as one of the most highly anticipated prospects of his generation. Philadelphia selected him first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft after his college career at LSU.
He eventually won 2017-18 Rookie of the Year and earned three All-Star selections. Simmons also established himself as an elite defensive player, receiving two All-Defensive Team honors.
However, injuries became a major obstacle.
According to the information surrounding his return, Simmons has played only 383 regular-season games across his NBA career. He has also missed multiple full seasons and has not appeared in more than 58 games during a season since 2018-19.
His most recent NBA action came with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season. He played 18 games for the Clippers in March and April 2025 after previously being bought out by the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons’ Back Issues Forced Him to Step Away
The biggest question surrounding the Ben Simmons comeback is his physical condition.
Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 campaign while recovering from chronic back issues. His injury history has repeatedly interrupted his NBA career, making durability one of the biggest concerns heading into his Sacramento chapter.
Reports before the Kings agreement indicated that Simmons was healthy and practicing without restrictions. His return to basketball activity also included participation with the Australian national team at an unofficial minicamp in August.
That activity provided an encouraging sign that Simmons was preparing for another opportunity at the highest level.
Ben Simmons Career Numbers
Despite the setbacks, Simmons’ career statistics remain impressive. Across 383 regular-season games, he has averaged:
- 13.1 points per game
- 7.4 rebounds per game
- 7.2 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
Those numbers highlight why teams remain interested in Simmons despite his injury history.
At his best, Simmons has been capable of impacting games without relying heavily on scoring. His size, passing ability, rebounding and defensive versatility could give Sacramento another useful option in the backcourt.
Can Simmons Revive His Career With the Kings?
The Sacramento Kings could provide Simmons with a relatively low-pressure environment to rebuild his NBA career.
Rather than being asked to immediately become a franchise centerpiece, Simmons is expected to provide depth and veteran experience around a developing roster. That role could allow him to focus on staying healthy and rebuilding his consistency.
The major question is whether he can remain on the court.
Simmons’ physical talent has never been the central issue. His availability has been. If he can maintain his health, Sacramento could potentially get valuable playmaking and defensive contributions from a former All-Star without making him carry the entire offense.
Simmons Has Another Goal in Sight
Simmons’ comeback could also have an international dimension.
The Australian guard is reportedly targeting a place with Team Australia for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Returning to regular NBA action with Sacramento would give him an important platform to demonstrate that he can still compete at a high level.
For now, the Kings represent the next step.
Ben Simmons has gone from No. 1 pick and three-time All-Star to a player fighting to re-establish himself in the NBA. His one-year deal with Sacramento gives him another opportunity to change that narrative.
The upcoming season will determine whether Simmons’ latest comeback becomes a genuine career revival or another brief chapter in one of basketball’s most complicated recent stories.
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