Ben Simmons Signs With Sacramento Kings
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Sacramento Kings signed guard Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million veteran minimum contract, securing his return to the National Basketball Association after he missed the entire 2025-26 season to recover from back and leg injuries. Simmons last played during the 2024-25 campaign, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 51 games. To clear roster space and drop beneath the luxury tax threshold, Sacramento executed a waive-and-stretch maneuver on DeMar DeRozan's remaining salary cap hit. The Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks also expressed signing interest before Simmons finalized his agreement with the Kings. Selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons holds career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals over 383 regular-season games as a three-time All-Star.
Sacramento Kings signed guard Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million veteran minimum contract, securing his return to the National Basketball Association after he missed the entire 2025-26 season to recover from back and leg injuries. Simmons last played during the 2024-25 campaign, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 51 games. To clear roster space and drop beneath the luxury tax threshold, Sacramento executed a waive-and-stretch maneuver on DeMar DeRozan's remaining salary cap hit. The Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks also expressed signing interest before Simmons finalized his agreement with the Kings. Selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons holds career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals over 383 regular-season games as a three-time All-Star.
More context
Timeline
- On June 23, 2016 Philadelphia selected Ben Simmons first overall in NBA draft.
- On October 20, 2017 Simmons debuted in regular season for Philadelphia 76ers.
- On January 23, 2019 Simmons recorded triple-double against San Antonio Spurs team.
- On February 10, 2022 Simmons was traded to Brooklyn Nets basketball franchise.
- On February 8, 2025 Simmons joined Los Angeles Clippers via contract buyout.
- On October 21, 2025 Simmons missed entire season dealing with physical injuries.
- On September 4, 2026 Sacramento Kings signed Ben Simmons to veteran minimum contract.
- On September 5, 2026 league analysts evaluated financial impact of roster transaction moves.
- On September 6, 2026 team officials prepared training camp participation schedules for players.
- On September 7, 2026 media outlets reported widespread reaction regarding unexpected signing.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: Kings gain low-risk playmaker depth while staying below luxury tax. Possible long-term US impact: Simmons attempts career revival under veteran minimum contract team structure. Most affected groups: Sacramento fans, NBA observers, and Western Conference playoff contenders. Reader priority: Monitor official team announcements and authorized sports journalism reporting sources.
Coverage notes
Left: Framed contract as low-risk redemption opportunity for struggling veteran. Center: Framed transaction strictly around financial cap flexibility and roster mechanics. Right: Framed signing through competitive Western Conference playoff roster upgrade lens.
Primary report
ESPN reported Ben Simmons agreed to Sacramento Kings contract today.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
