Ben Simmons is open to staying with the Sacramento Kings beyond the upcoming season, according to Marc J. Spears, who said the veteran guard views the organization and market as an appealing environment for his return to the NBA.
“One thing he likes about Sacramento is… he’s never played in a small market and sometimes that’s a safer haven. You go to Sacramento, it’s about basketball. I’d put their fans up there with anyone in the world,” Spears said.
Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. The deal gives the three-time All-Star an opportunity to return to the NBA while allowing the Kings to evaluate his health and fit before potentially considering a longer commitment.
The 30-year-old last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 51 games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per game while shooting 52.0% from the field.
Simmons’ previous level of production was considerably higher. In 2019-20 with the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.0 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 57 games, earning All-Star and All-Defensive recognition.
He followed that with another All-Star season in 2020-21, averaging 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 58 games. Simmons finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned his second consecutive All-Defensive First Team selection.
Across 383 career NBA games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 55.8% from the field. He has also recorded 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
His immediate priority is proving that he can remain healthy and contribute consistently after a year away from the league. Simmons underwent medical testing, an on-court workout and meetings with head coach Doug Christie and the Kings’ staff before agreeing to the contract.
He also worked out for general manager Scott Perry in late August and met with Perry for approximately an hour. According to Shams Charania, Simmons has looked and felt strong from a health standpoint with Sacramento and during an Australian players-only minicamp.
The Kings are entering a rebuilding phase after finishing 22-60 in 2025-26, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. Sacramento selected Darius Acuff Jr. seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and also added Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp.
Simmons joins a roster featuring Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk.
