Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is back in the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney told Andscape and ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Simmons returns to the NBA after missing the 2025-26 season to rehabilitate lingering back and leg injuries. Now healthy, the 6-foot-10, 240-pounder impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry when he worked out for him in Miami and had an hourlong meeting in late August.
Simmons’ stock rose after he played well while being a full participant in a minicamp with the Australia men’s basketball national team in early August. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors expressed interest in Simmons that could have led to a potential training camp invite. The Kings, however, were the only NBA team to offer him contract. A source said Simmons is excited about playing for the Kings and believes the organization will give him the support and opportunity he has hoped for in his return to the NBA.
He told Andscape in July that he felt as healthy as he had in years and believed he was ready to return to the NBA.
During his NBA hiatus, he purchased a 50% ownership stake in the South Florida Sails professional angling club in December 2025, becoming the team’s controlling operator.