The three-time All-Star is returning to the NBA after sitting out the 2025–26 season, signing a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings as he looks to revive his career.
September 4, 2026: Ben Simmons is officially getting another opportunity in the NBA. The three-time All-Star 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.
Simmons, 30, last played during the 2024–25 season with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. After spending the following season away from the NBA while recovering from lingering back and leg issues, the former No. 1 overall pick is now preparing for his 10th NBA season.
HOLR breaks down the story here.
Image Credit: theScore
Ben Simmons Is Back in the NBA
Simmons’ return comes after months of uncertainty surrounding his basketball future.
The Australian guard did not play at all during the 2025–26 NBA season as he worked on getting healthy. His most recent NBA action came with the Clippers during the 2024–25 campaign, when he appeared in 18 games for Los Angeles after joining the team following his departure from Brooklyn.
Now, Simmons will join the Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
The agreement was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears, with Simmons’ agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney confirming the deal.
Why Did Ben Simmons Choose the Kings?
Sacramento had been interested in Simmons for some time and ultimately emerged as the team willing to give him another NBA opportunity.
The Kings conducted an extensive evaluation before making the move. Simmons traveled to Sacramento, underwent medical testing, participated in an on-court workout and met with head coach Doug Christie and members of the coaching staff.
He had also worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry in Miami in late August, where the two reportedly spent about an hour together.
The Kings appear to view Simmons as a versatile veteran who can help provide depth and playmaking.
Simmons Could Back Up Rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
One of the clearest roles for Simmons in Sacramento will be helping support rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.
The Kings selected Acuff with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Simmons’ ability to handle the ball and create opportunities for teammates could give Sacramento another option in the backcourt.
Simmons is not a traditional shooting point guard, but his size, passing ability, and defensive versatility remain valuable qualities.
The 6-foot-10 veteran has also demonstrated throughout his career that he can defend multiple positions, rebound and facilitate an offense without needing to dominate the ball.
Ben Simmons’ NBA Career Has Been a Roller Coaster
Simmons entered the NBA with enormous expectations.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft after his lone college season at LSU. He missed his first NBA season with a foot injury but went on to win Rookie of the Year in 2017–18.
He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most versatile young players.
Simmons became a three-time All-Star and earned an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2019–20. He was also selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team twice.
However, injuries and offensive limitations eventually disrupted his career.
Injuries Have Limited Simmons’ Playing Time
Simmons’ health has been one of the biggest challenges of his NBA career.
He missed the entire 2021–22 season and later underwent surgery for a herniated disc. His time with the Brooklyn Nets was repeatedly interrupted by back problems, and he eventually joined the Clippers in 2025.
Even when available, Simmons struggled to maintain the form that made him an All-Star earlier in his career.
In 51 games during the 2024–25 season with Brooklyn and Los Angeles, he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.
His career averages remain considerably stronger, however.
Across 383 NBA games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Simmons Is Reportedly Healthy Again
The biggest question surrounding Simmons’ comeback has been whether his body can hold up.
Recent signs have been encouraging.
Simmons participated fully in a players-only minicamp with the Australian national team in August. Reports from people around both the Kings and Team Australia indicated that he looked physically strong and was practicing without restrictions.
That positive feedback helped increase interest in Simmons as he explored an NBA return.
He also reportedly had interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, although the Kings ultimately became the only NBA team to offer him a contract.
Simmons Has His Eyes on the 2028 Olympics
The NBA comeback could also have another goal attached to it.
Simmons reportedly hopes to compete for Australia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Returning to the NBA and proving that he can remain healthy would strengthen his chances of making Australia’s Olympic roster.
For Simmons, the next two seasons could therefore be about more than simply returning to the league.
They could represent an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and show that he can still contribute at a high level.
Simmons Also Spent Time Pursuing Fishing
While away from the NBA, Simmons developed another sporting interest.
He purchased a controlling stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club, a professional sports fishing team competing in the Sport Fishing Championship. The team won the 2026 SFC Walker’s Cay Open Championship in May.
Although basketball remained part of his plans, Simmons’ time away from the NBA allowed him to explore another competitive sport.
His return to basketball now represents a significant shift back toward the career that made him one of the most recognizable young players in the league.
When Will Ben Simmons Play for the Kings?
The Kings’ preseason schedule begins October 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sacramento’s regular-season opener is scheduled for October 21 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
That game could carry an extra storyline for Simmons because the Clippers were his most recent NBA team.
The Kings also have a preseason matchup against the Lakers on October 5, followed by additional exhibition games before the regular season begins.
Can Ben Simmons Revive His NBA Career?
That is the biggest question surrounding the signing.
Simmons remains a unique player because of his size, passing, defensive instincts, and ability to play multiple positions. But his availability and offensive confidence have prevented him from consistently reaching the level expected of a former No. 1 pick.
Sacramento is offering him a relatively low-risk opportunity to prove that he can still contribute.
For Simmons, the one-year contract could be the beginning of a much bigger comeback.
If he stays healthy and makes an impact, he could position himself for another NBA contract—and potentially a return to the national stage with Australia.
HOLR has the latest news on Ben Simmons as the former No. 1 pick begins his NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings.
FAQs
Is Ben Simmons returning to the NBA?
Yes. Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025–26 season.
How much is Ben Simmons’ Kings contract worth?
Simmons’ contract with the Sacramento Kings is worth $3.5 million for one year.
Why did Ben Simmons miss the 2025–26 NBA season?
Simmons sat out the 2025–26 season while rehabilitating lingering back and leg injuries. He has since been reported to be healthy and practicing without restrictions.
What team did Ben Simmons play for most recently?
Simmons’ most recent NBA team was the Los Angeles Clippers. He played 18 games for the Clippers in March and April 2025.
What position will Ben Simmons play with the Kings?
Simmons is expected to provide point-guard depth and could back up rookie Darius Acuff Jr. His versatility could also allow him to defend and play across multiple positions.
Published by HOLR Magazine