Ben Simmons, the 2016 NBA No. 1 overall pick from Australia, signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million with the Sacramento Kings on September 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 30-year-old guard, who last played in April 2025 for the Los Angeles Clippers, sat out the entire 2025-26 NBA season to recover from back and leg injuries [5, 6, 3, 4].
Simmons impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie during workouts and medical evaluations held between late August and early September 2026 [7, 6, 2, 3]. His versatility is expected to provide the Kings a backup point guard able to play all five positions on the floor [7, 6, 3, 4]. An anonymous source told reporters that Simmons is "excited about playing for the Kings and believes the organization will give him the support and opportunity he has hoped for in his return to the NBA" [7].
Before signing with Sacramento, other NBA teams including the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves showed interest but did not make contract offers [5, 7, 6, 4]. The Kings created guard vacancies after waiving DeMar DeRozan and not retaining Russell Westbrook in the 2026 offseason [7, 6, 4].
Simmons has played 383 NBA games across stints with the Philadelphia 76ers (2017-21), Brooklyn Nets (2022-25), and Clippers (2024-25) [5, 7, 6, 2]. He is a three-time All-Star and 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year but has struggled with injuries and mental health issues in recent years [5, 7, 6, 2]. His career averages include 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game [5, 7, 6, 2, 3].
The Kings finished the 2025-26 season with a 22-60 record, tied for the worst in the Western Conference [5, 7, 6]. Simmons spent last season focused on rehabilitation and participated in an Australian Boomers mini-camp in August 2026 [5, 7, 6]. During his NBA hiatus, he also acquired a 50% stake in a professional fishing club [6].
As Simmons gears up for his return, Kings GM Scott Perry said the team expects Simmons to bring defensive versatility and playmaking. Simmons' agents confirmed, "Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is back in the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings" [7]. The Kings open their 2026-27 training camp later this month, where Simmons will compete for minutes as the club looks to bounce back from a disappointing season.
