Ben Simmons Is Back In The NBA With New Deal

September 04, 2026
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He's baaack. Ben Simmons, after sitting out last season, has re-emerged and is ready for an NBA comeback, signing a league-minimum $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. 

Simmons turns down interest from 2 marquee teams before signing with Sacramento Kings 

According to reports, Simmons turned down interest from the NBA champion New York Knicks as well as the Golden State Warriors before signing with Sacramento. 

 This makes all the sense in the world, as Simmons has shown that he would likely cave under the glare of the spotlight in either of those two basketball centers. Sacramento is a much safer place for him to make his return. 

Not everyone agrees with this signing, however. Stephen A. Smith had an interesting take:

"He should be the first player in the NBA that actually pays the team to let him play in an NBA uniform," said Stephen A.  

Simmons sat out last year to focus on the Sport Fishing Championship, as a team owner. 

The three-time All-Star was one of the best players in the NBA in his first four years in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers. But a playoff meltdown in 2021 and sitting out the 2022 season derailed his career along with injuries, to where he's been an uninterested, shooting-averse depth player in recent years. 

But a new commitment to getting in shape and dedicating himself this summer would appear to have him ready for redempton in the Association, though time will tell. 

The Kings lost starting point guard Russell Westbrook this summer, first to free agency and then to retirement, leaving an opening for a player like Simmons. They're intending to hand the ball to rookie Darius Acuff Jr. as the starter at the point, but Simmons should get plenty of time as well if he shows he's interested.


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