Ben Simmons Signs One-Year Contract with Sacramento Kings

Ben Simmons has made his return to the NBA by signing a one-year contract worth $3.5 million with the Sacramento Kings.

The three-time All-Star had been sidelined during the 2025-26 season due to ongoing back and leg injuries. His signing follows a successful workout in Miami and a meeting with Kings general manager Scott Perry, which led to another workout in Sacramento.

Simmons is anticipated to play as a backup point guard to rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and is expected to bring versatility to the team. The Kings, who finished last season with a 22-60 record, are looking to enhance their backcourt after waiving DeMar DeRozan and not re-signing Russell Westbrook. Simmons, who was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has faced various challenges throughout his career, including injuries and mental health issues.