Former Star Ben Simmons Shocks NBA with 1-Year, $3.5M Deal to Join Kings

　　Staff Reporter Du Yijun / Comprehensive Report

　　"The man is back." After sitting out an entire season, three-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons has officially agreed to return to the NBA. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears, the 30-year-old has reached a deal with the Sacramento Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The versatile playmaker will begin his 10th NBA season in Northern California, seeking a career resurgence.

　　As the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons was once one of the league’s elite all-around talents, averaging career marks of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while earning two selections to the All-Defensive First Team.

　　However, in recent years he has been plagued by back injuries and mental health struggles, leading to a drastic decline in production. During the 2024-25 season with the Nets and Clippers, he averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, dropping to 2.9 points after being traded to the Clippers and being virtually benched in the playoffs. That left him without any offers for the 2025-26 season, forcing him to sit out the entire year.

　　Determined to return to the highest level, Simmons has been active behind the scenes. Sources say he traveled to Sacramento on Monday for a face-to-face meeting with the Kings organization. He underwent a thorough medical exam and worked out on the court, demonstrating his commitment to come back. He also held in-depth discussions with Kings head coach Doug Christie and the coaching staff.

　　In fact, the Kings’ interest in the former All-Star had been brewing. As early as late August, Simmons conducted a private workout for Kings general manager Scott Perry, and the two had a productive hour-long conversation. Additionally, Simmons attended a mini-camp for the Australian national team last month. According to Kings insiders and Australian team members, Simmons appeared strong and healthy, a key factor that convinced Sacramento to extend an offer.

　　For the Kings, bringing in a former defensive stopper on a low-risk $3.5 million contract is a worthwhile gamble. Whether Simmons can rediscover his all-around game within Christie’s system and prove he still belongs among the league’s elite will be a major storyline for Sacramento in the upcoming season.