Ben Simmons is returning to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings on September 4, 2026. The three-time All-Star sat out the entire 2025-26 season after dealing with chronic back issues and last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season. The move gives Simmons an opportunity to restart his NBA career as he enters his 10th season.

Introduction

Ben Simmons is officially getting another opportunity in the NBA. The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney, who informed ESPN's Shams Charania and Andscape's Marc J. Spears on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The deal brings Simmons back to the league after he missed the entire 2025-26 season. The 30-year-old guard-forward last appeared in an NBA game with the Los Angeles Clippers in April 2025.

For Simmons, the Sacramento move represents more than another roster spot. It gives the former No. 1 overall pick a chance to rebuild his career after several seasons affected by injuries and limited playing time.

What Happened?

Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings on Friday.

The agreement was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, with Simmons' agents confirming the contract. NBA.com also reported the agreement, while noting that the deal was initially being reported rather than accompanied by a formal team announcement.

The signing comes after Simmons spent the 2025-26 season away from the NBA while recovering from chronic back problems.

Before reaching the agreement, Simmons visited Sacramento and went through medical examinations, an on-court workout and meetings with Kings coach Doug Christie and members of the organization's staff, according to NBA.com.

Those evaluations were particularly important given Simmons' recent injury history.

The Kings ultimately decided that the veteran playmaker was worth another opportunity.

Key Details

• Player: Ben Simmons
• Team: Sacramento Kings
• Contract: One year, $3.5 million
• Date of agreement: September 4, 2026
• Age: 30
• NBA status: Returning after missing the 2025-26 season
• Last NBA team: Los Angeles Clippers
• Last NBA appearance: 2024-25 season
• NBA experience: Entering his 10th season
• Career: Three-time All-Star, one-time All-NBA selection and two-time All-Defensive selection

Background: Ben Simmons' NBA Career

Simmons entered the NBA with enormous expectations.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected him No. 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. After missing what would have been his rookie season, Simmons debuted in 2017-18 and immediately made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year.

He became a three-time All-Star and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors during his Philadelphia years. NBA.com lists him as a 6-foot-10 guard-forward whose career has been built around playmaking, size and defense rather than perimeter shooting.

His career numbers remain notable. Across 383 regular-season games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, along with 1.5 steals.

However, injuries significantly interrupted his development.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season and later dealt with additional back problems. He eventually moved from Philadelphia to Brooklyn before joining the Clippers during the 2024-25 season.

His final season before the latest absence produced modest numbers compared with his earlier career. Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets and Clippers during 2024-25.

He then did not play during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Why the Kings Deal Is Significant

The $3.5 million contract is relatively modest compared with the enormous contract Simmons previously signed during his career, but the importance of the deal goes beyond the dollar figure.

For Sacramento, the move provides access to an experienced playmaker without requiring a long-term commitment.

Simmons can bring several skills that do not depend entirely on scoring. His size allows him to defend multiple positions, while his passing ability can help create opportunities for teammates.

That makes him potentially useful in a supporting role.

The biggest question is whether he can remain healthy and consistently available.

His recent career has been defined as much by missed games as by his talent. Consequently, the Kings' decision to give him a one-year contract limits their long-term financial commitment while giving Simmons a chance to demonstrate that he can still contribute at the NBA level.

What Officials and Organizations Said

The agreement was confirmed to ESPN by Simmons' agents, Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney. ESPN's Shams Charania and Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported the news.

NBA.com subsequently reported the agreement and said Simmons had traveled to Sacramento for medical examinations, a workout and meetings with coach Doug Christie and team staff.

The available reports did not include a lengthy public statement from Simmons or Kings officials explaining his expected role.

That means it would be premature to state exactly how many minutes Simmons will receive or whether he will be a starter.

Ben Simmons' 2024-25 Season

Simmons' last NBA season provides an important baseline for understanding his return.

He played 51 games between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.

Those numbers were far below his peak production.

During his early Philadelphia career, Simmons was one of the NBA's most productive young all-around players. His career averages remain 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists, illustrating how dramatically his role and availability have changed over time.

The Kings will therefore be hoping to get more of the player who once earned All-Star and All-Defensive recognition.

Health Will Be a Major Storyline

Simmons' health will likely be one of the most closely monitored aspects of his comeback.

He missed the entire 2025-26 campaign because of chronic back issues. However, a Reuters report published in August said Simmons was healthy and training without restrictions while preparing for a potential NBA return.

The Sacramento medical evaluation and workout were another important step before the agreement.

There is still a difference between being healthy enough to train and successfully completing a full NBA season. Simmons' ability to stay available will therefore be crucial to determining whether this comeback becomes a sustained return rather than another short stint.

What Happens Next?

Simmons will now prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season with Sacramento.

According to Reuters, the Kings are scheduled to begin preseason play on October 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, with their regular-season opener set for October 21 against the Clippers.

His precise role has not been officially established in the reports reviewed for this article.

The most immediate questions will be whether Simmons remains healthy through training camp, how he fits into Sacramento's rotation and whether he can regain enough consistency to become a regular contributor.

For Simmons, the objective is straightforward: return to the court, stay healthy and show that the skills that made him an All-Star remain valuable in today's NBA.

Why Ben Simmons' NBA Return Matters

Simmons' return is significant because of the gap between his potential and what his recent career has produced.

At his best, he was a rare player with the size of a forward and the passing responsibilities of a point guard. His defensive versatility and rebounding made him valuable even when he was not a major scorer.

But injuries and prolonged absences changed the trajectory of his career.

The Kings' one-year agreement gives him a relatively low-risk opportunity to change that narrative.

It also gives Sacramento a veteran player with substantial NBA experience while keeping the commitment limited to one season.

Whether the move becomes a successful comeback will depend less on Simmons' reputation and more on what he can produce consistently once competitive games begin.

Source of the Content

This article is based on the latest available reporting as of September 4, 2026, primarily from ESPN, NBA.com and Reuters, with career statistics cross-checked against NBA.com and Basketball-Reference. ESPN reported the contract through Simmons' agents, while NBA.com and Reuters independently reported the agreement and relevant background.

FAQs

1. Is Ben Simmons returning to the NBA?

Yes. Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.

2. How much is Ben Simmons' new contract worth?

Simmons' contract with the Kings is worth $3.5 million for one year, according to reports from ESPN and NBA.com.

3. When did Ben Simmons last play in the NBA?

Simmons last played during the 2024-25 season. He appeared in 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers after spending part of that season with the Brooklyn Nets.

4. Why did Ben Simmons miss the 2025-26 season?

Simmons missed the entire 2025-26 season while dealing with chronic back issues and working toward a return to basketball.

5. What are Ben Simmons' career NBA statistics?

Through 383 regular-season games, Simmons has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. He also averages 1.5 steals.

6. How many NBA All-Star selections does Ben Simmons have?

Simmons has been selected to three NBA All-Star teams. He has also earned one All-NBA selection and two All-Defensive selections.

7. Which team does Ben Simmons play for now?

Simmons is joining the Sacramento Kings on a one-year contract for the 2026-27 NBA season.

8. What will Ben Simmons' role be with the Kings?

His exact role has not yet been officially established in the reports reviewed. His passing, size and defensive versatility could allow him to contribute as a secondary playmaker and defender, but his minutes and starting status will depend on Sacramento's plans and his performance during the preseason.

Source links: ESPN — Ben Simmons agrees to one-year, $3.5M deal · NBA.com — Reports: Ben Simmons agrees to one-year deal with Kings · Reuters — Ben Simmons agrees to one-year, $3.5M deal with Kings · NBA.com — Ben Simmons player profile