Ben Simmons is open to staying with the Sacramento Kings past the upcoming season, based on Marc J. Spears, who stated the veteran guard views the group and market as an interesting surroundings for his return to the NBA.
“One factor he likes about Sacramento is… he’s by no means performed in a small market and generally that’s a safer haven. You go to Sacramento, it’s about basketball. I’d put their followers up there with anybody on the earth,” Spears stated.
Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento after sitting out the complete 2025-26 season. The deal provides the three-time All-Star a possibility to return to the NBA whereas permitting the Kings to guage his well being and match earlier than doubtlessly contemplating an extended dedication.
The 30-year-old final performed within the NBA throughout the 2024-25 season, showing in 51 video games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 5.0 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per sport whereas capturing 52.0% from the sector.
Simmons’ earlier stage of manufacturing was significantly greater. In 2019-20 with the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 16.4 factors, 8.0 assists, 7.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 steals in 57 video games, incomes All-Star and All-Defensive recognition.
He adopted that with one other All-Star season in 2020-21, averaging 14.3 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 58 video games. Simmons completed second in Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting and earned his second consecutive All-Defensive First Workforce choice.
Throughout 383 profession NBA video games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 factors, 7.4 rebounds and seven.2 assists whereas capturing 55.8% from the sector. He has additionally recorded 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per sport.
His speedy precedence is proving that he can stay wholesome and contribute constantly after a yr away from the league. Simmons underwent medical testing, an on-court exercise and conferences with head coach Doug Christie and the Kings’ employees earlier than agreeing to the contract.
He additionally labored out for basic supervisor Scott Perry in late August and met with Perry for about an hour. In line with Shams Charania, Simmons has regarded and felt robust from a well being standpoint with Sacramento and through an Australian players-only minicamp.
The Kings are getting into a rebuilding section after ending 22-60 in 2025-26, tied for the worst report within the Western Convention. Sacramento selected Darius Acuff Jr. seventh overall within the 2026 NBA Draft and in addition added Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp.
Simmons joins a roster that includes Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk.
