Ben Simmons Making NBA Comeback with Kings, Latest Rumors on Contract for 2026-27 Season

Ben Simmons is headed back to the NBA.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania and Marc Spears, Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season.

According to Charania, "Simmons traveled to visit the Kings in Sacramento on Monday, undergoing in-depth medical exams, an on-court workout and meetings with coach Doug Christie and other staffers, sources said. In late August, Simmons also worked out for general manager Scott Perry and met with Perry for an hour."

Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, appeared on his way to an outstanding career during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, but injuries have limited him to 60 or fewer games every year since 2020-21, and he missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season.

He played 51 games in 2024-25, his most since the 2020-21 season, and put up 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds across his time with the Nets and Clippers.

Simmons did not sign with a team during the 2025-26 season.

In December, Simmons told The Athletic's Sam Jane that he didn't want to return to the court until he felt "bulletproof." Simmons then said in June that he was officially working toward an NBA comeback, citing Miami and Philadelphia as possible landing spots.

"I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed," he told Clay Skipper of Men's Health. "I don't have a plan on where. ... Maybe I'll go back to Philly. Miami would be nice. And not because it's Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture."

While Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player he once was, he gives Sacramento depth and a player capable of playing anywhere on the floor. The Kings likely aren't looking for Simmons to be a scorer, but he's still adept at finding the open man as a passer and providing size on defense. Not to mention, he's an affordable option that has some upside.

The Kings have been desperate for floor generals since trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, so Simmons fills a major void for them alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

It's hard to say whether the addition of Simmons makes Sacramento any more of a contender, but he at least gives the Kings a more complete roster.