Ben Simmons is returning to the NBA. The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Ben Simmons will make his NBA comeback after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. The 30-year-old guard last played during the 2024-25 campaign, when he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
Just in: Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney tell me and @MarcJSpears. The one-time All-NBA star is back in the NBA for a 10th season after sitting out 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/xj5X7lr3op
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 4, 2026
Ben Simmons impressed during Kings workouts
The Kings had been evaluating Simmons as they considered bringing the former No. 1 overall pick back to the league. That process included a workout with general manager Scott Perry in late August, followed by a visit to Sacramento this week.
During his latest visit, Simmons went through medical testing, an on-court workout and meetings with head coach Doug Christie and members of the Kings’ organization. The feedback surrounding his physical condition has reportedly been encouraging, with Simmons also taking part in a Team Australia players-only minicamp last month.
His health has been a major factor in his recent career, making the positive reports from his workouts particularly significant. Simmons now gets the opportunity to turn that progress into an NBA comeback with Sacramento.
Simmons last played for the Clippers
Simmons’ most recent NBA season came in 2024-25, when he appeared in 51 games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged five points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while playing 22 minutes per game.
His numbers changed after he moved to Los Angeles. Simmons appeared in 18 regular-season games for the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes.
He also saw limited action in the playoffs, appearing in the Clippers’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
The one-year deal gives Simmons a clear opportunity to prove that he can remain a useful NBA player while marking his return to the league for a 10th season.
