Ben Simmons Returns, Signs with Sacramento Kings

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 24: Ben Simmons #25 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

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What is the story about?

Ben Simmons is returning to the NBA, signing a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings worth $3.5 million. The news comes courtesy of ESPN.

Selected with the first overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons found himself mired in controversy. He won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017 and played three All-Star seasons for the Sixers before skipping the 2021-22 season due to a back injury and self-avowed mental health struggles. He return the season following but performed well

under his prior standard, taking half the shots from the field and famously refusing to even attempt, let alone develop, a three-point shot.

After spending two and a half seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and a cup of coffee with the Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons left the league in 2025, suffering from further injury. Per the ESPN article, he impressed Kings Head Coach Doug Christie enough in a tryout to earn the contract offer this summer.

The 6’10 Simmons has been known for his defense and passing ability, often serving as the offense initiator for his teams. In 2024-25, his last season in the NBA, he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game.