Ben Simmons makes $3.5 million decision to revive NBA career

Ben Simmons was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he missed his entire rookie season after suffering a devastating injury.

The former No. 1 overall pick went on to win Rookie of the Year the following season. However, things became increasingly difficult for Simmons after that. Eventually, Simmons and the 76ers parted ways amid concerns about the organization’s handling of his mental health.

Simmons then made the difficult decision to sit out the entire 2025-26 season after stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. The LSU product used the time away from basketball as a reset in an effort to get his career back on track. The nearly 7-footer admitted in an interview with The Athletic’s Sam Jane that he would not return until he felt ready to do so.

That day apparently came Friday morning, when Simmons agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings.

“Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney tell me and Marc J Spears. The one-time All-NBA star is back in the NBA for a 10th season after sitting out 2025-26,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

This is huge news for Simmons as he looks to revive his career after taking a full year away from the NBA. He will now have the opportunity to show teams that he can still be an effective player. The agreement comes after Simmons worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry and completed medical examinations.

Simmons is expected to back up first-round pick Darius Acuff, who the organization will likely view as a potential face of the franchise. The former No. 1 overall pick could play an important veteran role in Acuff’s development while also providing valuable experience to a young Kings roster.

For Simmons, this could be his best opportunity to prove that he can make it through a full NBA season. Staying healthy and producing consistently will be critical. If Domantas Sabonis is eventually traded, Simmons could potentially work his way into the starting lineup with strong performances.

After everything he has been through, Simmons finally has another chance to prove that he still belongs in the NBA. Now, it is up to him to make the most of it.

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