Kings Gamble on Ben Simmons Reclamation
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Sacramento signs the former No. 1 pick to a veteran minimum deal to bolster point guard depth behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
The Sacramento Kings are signing Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, as first reported by CBS Sports via ESPN. The move comes as the 30-year-old former three-time All-Star seeks a professional comeback after missing the previous season to rehabilitate leg and back injuries.
According to CBS Sports, Sacramento is utilizing a low-risk strategy similar to last year's signing of Russell Westbrook. With Westbrook retiring and the Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr. as their projected opening-night starting point guard, the roster lacked depth at the position, with Malik Monk being the only other player to operate in spot minutes there recently.
Simmons, who has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers, has not appeared in an NBA game for nearly 18 months. In his last active season (2024-25), he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 51 games. CBS Sports notes that while the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors also considered signing Simmons, he ultimately agreed to terms with Sacramento.
The Kings' interest in the 6-foot-10 point forward is not new; CBS Sports reports the team pursued him at the 2022 trade deadline under former general manager Monte McNair before instead trading Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers for Domantas Sabonis. Sacramento now hopes Simmons can provide mentorship for its young core and potentially serve as a trade asset at the deadline if he rehabilitates his value.