Ben Simmons Is Back: Former All-Star Lands NBA Return With Sacramento Kings

The three-time All-Star has agreed to join the Sacramento Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears, with Simmons’ agent confirming the agreement.

The move brings the former No. 1 overall pick back into the league for his 10th NBA season after he missed the entirety of last season while focusing on getting his body healthy following years of back problems.

Now, Simmons has another opportunity to prove that he can still make an impact at the highest level.

Kings had been monitoring Simmons

Sacramento’s interest in Simmons had been building for several weeks.

The Kings initially worked him out for general manager Scott Perry in late August, with Simmons reportedly spending around an hour with the executive.

The feedback from that session was highly encouraging, with one person who attended the workout saying the former All-Star looked fantastic.

Sacramento then brought Simmons to the city on Monday for a more extensive evaluation.

He underwent detailed medical examinations, took part in on-court workouts and met with head coach Doug Christie and other members of the organisation before the two sides reached an agreement.

Most importantly for the Kings, the reports surrounding Simmons’ physical condition have been positive.

Simmons' health could determine everything

The 30-year-old also took part in Australia’s players-only minicamp last month.

Team Australia officials and members of the Kings organisation reportedly felt Simmons looked and felt strong physically.

That could ultimately be the defining factor in determining whether this comeback works.

Simmons’ recent career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries, particularly back issues, making his ability to remain healthy arguably more important than anything he does statistically in the early stages of his return.

The Simmons Kings are getting is different

Simmons last appeared in the NBA during the 2024/25 season, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

He averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per game.

Perhaps most strikingly, he did not attempt a single three-pointer.

Those numbers are a long way from the player who established himself as one of the league’s most versatile two-way players.

At his peak, Simmons was a three-time All-Star who earned an All-NBA selection and two All-Defensive team selections.

He was particularly effective as a passer, rebounder and defender, with his 6-foot-10 frame allowing him to create mismatches while handling the ball.

His career averages remain 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Sacramento does not need peak Ben Simmons

Importantly, the Kings do not need Simmons to immediately become the player he was during his best years.

Sacramento went 22-60 last season and are looking to develop rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., whom they selected seventh overall.

Their backcourt also features Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Nique Clifford.

That could allow Simmons to take on a complementary role rather than being given complete responsibility for running the offence.

His shooting limitations remain obvious, but Sacramento could still make use of the things he does well.

If healthy, Simmons can handle the ball for second units, defend multiple positions, rebound and use his passing ability to create opportunities for Sacramento’s scorers.

A low-risk gamble for the Kings

The financial structure of the deal also makes the move relatively low-risk for Sacramento.

A one-year, $3.5 million contract gives the Kings an opportunity to see whether Simmons can remain healthy and rediscover some of the qualities that made him one of the NBA’s most intriguing young stars.

For Simmons, meanwhile, it represents something potentially more valuable than the contract itself: another NBA opportunity.

After spending an entire season away from the league, he has finally secured a path back.

Can Ben Simmons prove he still belongs?

That is now the biggest question surrounding the former All-Star.

Simmons does not need to recreate his peak production immediately, and the Kings appear to have a roster that can accommodate his strengths while limiting the pressure on his offensive game.

But everything starts with his health.

If his body holds up, Sacramento could have a versatile playmaker and defender who offers something different from its other backcourt options.

For Simmons, the one-year deal is a chance to rebuild his reputation and show the NBA that there is still a valuable player inside the former No. 1 pick.

After a year away, Ben Simmons is back.

Now comes the much harder part: proving that he can stay healthy and still make a difference.