Ben Simmons Signed One-Year Deal with Sacramento Kings

The veteran guard returns to the NBA after a one-year hiatus to focus on physical rehabilitation.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball

Ben Simmons Signed One-Year Deal with Sacramento Kings

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Ben Simmons has officially joined the Sacramento Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The move marks his return to the NBA after he spent the 2025-26 season away from professional basketball.

Why it matters

Simmons signed with the team after a year-long break dedicated to recovering from physical injuries. During his time away from the court, he notably operated the South Florida Sails sport fishing team.

Simmons signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million with the Kings. He previously played 33 games for the Brooklyn Nets and 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers before his hiatus.

The players

Ben Simmons

An NBA guard who has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Sacramento Kings

A professional basketball team based in Sacramento that competes in the NBA.

The details

The Sacramento Kings added the veteran to their roster following his successful physical rehabilitation process. Simmons, who missed the entire 2021-22 season earlier in his career, aims to reintegrate into professional play after his recent break.

Timeline

  1. Simmons turned down a layup in the 2021 Game 7 playoffs.

  2. The player missed the entire 2021-22 NBA season.

  3. Simmons spent the 2025-26 period on a one-year hiatus from the NBA.

  4. He appeared at the Sacramento Kings media day in September 2026.

Season Trajectory

This signing introduces a high-profile veteran into the Sacramento Kings rotation, potentially altering their depth chart and playoff aspirations. It follows the precedent of his 2021-22 NBA season hiatus, marking a pivotal test of his long-term physical durability.

The addition of Simmons provides the Kings with a versatile rotation option at a low cost of $3.5 million against the cap. His availability will be determined by his performance levels compared to his final 33-game stint with the Brooklyn Nets.

The takeaway

Simmons is attempting to rejuvenate his career after a second major break from professional competition. His focus remains on proving his physical fitness following his year running a fishing team in South Florida.

Further reading

For more updates on team rosters and league news, check out our Basketball coverage.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox Sports.

Live Poll

Would you attend a game to see a veteran player attempt a comeback after a hiatus?