Ben Simmons to the Sacramento Kings: “He’s in great shape”

After a year away from NBA basketball, Ben Simmons is ready to give it another shot. The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the league for what will be his 10th NBA season.

The news was reported by Shams Charania, who confirmed the former No. 1 overall pick’s return after spending the entire season away from the NBA:

Ben Simmons, a three-time All-Star, has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. The former All-NBA player returns to the league for his 10th season after sitting out the 2025-26 season

Shams Charania

A gamble for both sides. Sacramento is adding a player who has largely disappeared from the radar in recent years, mainly because of ongoing physical issues, but who at 30 wants to prove he still has something to offer in the NBA.

Ben Simmons impresses the Kings: workouts and medicals were key

Simmons completely missed the 2025-26 NBA season to focus on recovering from the back and leg issues that had severely affected the latter part of his career.

Over the past few months, however, something appears to have changed. In August, he participated without restrictions in a minicamp with the Australian national team, making a positive impression physically. Shortly afterward, his first real contact with Sacramento came.

At the end of August, Simmons worked out in front of general manager Scott Perry, with the two later meeting for about an hour. On Monday, he flew directly to Sacramento, where the Kings wanted to take a closer look at one thing above all: his physical condition.

Shams Charania detailed the steps that preceded the signing:

Simmons traveled to Sacramento on Monday to meet with the Kings, undergoing extensive medical examinations, taking part in an on-court workout and meeting with coach Doug Christie and other members of the staff. At the end of August, he had also worked out in front of general manager Scott Perry, with whom he had a meeting that lasted about an hour

Shams Charania

But perhaps the most interesting part concerns the feedback gathered over the past few weeks. According to Charania, the reports on the 30-year-old’s condition have been positive both within the Kings and during his recent minicamp with Australia:

According to all the feedback from the Kings and Team Australia staff, with whom Simmons participated in a players-only minicamp last month, the 30-year-old looked to be in excellent physical condition and made a good impression

Shams Charania

Those signs ultimately convinced Sacramento to turn its interest into an actual contract.

What role will Ben Simmons have with the Sacramento Kings?

And this is probably where the signing becomes most interesting. The Kings don’t appear to be expecting Simmons to become the player he was during his best years in Philadelphia.

The initial plan would be to use him as backup to rookie Darius Acuff Jr., while taking advantage of a trait that has always made Simmons unique: his ability to play multiple positions.

At 6-foot-10, Sacramento could potentially use him anywhere from point guard to center, particularly in unconventional lineups. Defense, ball handling, transition play and versatility could therefore become the keys to Simmons carving out a role in the league once again.

The situation, at least on paper, could work in his favor. The Kings finished last season with a 22-60 record, tied for the worst mark in the Western Conference, and made significant changes to their backcourt over the summer: DeMar DeRozan was waived, while Russell Westbrook was not brought back.

That should give Simmons an opportunity to earn minutes and responsibilities without the expectations that have followed him for much of his career.