Former No. 1 pick Ben Simmons finds a team, signing one-year, $3.5 million deal with Kings

Ben Simmons finally has a team after spending last season without a contract. The former Philadelphia 76ers No. 1 pick has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN reporter Shams Charania.

The contract gives Simmons a chance to begin his 10th NBA season and attempt a comeback. He entered the league as the top pick in 2016, made three All-Star teams and won Rookie of the Year and the league’s steals title. His size, defense and passing vision once made him one of basketball’s most highly regarded talents, but his career never reached the level many expected.

Simmons has dealt with injuries since 2021 and later moved through the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He became a free agent last year and did not find a new team, leaving him out of the 2025-26 season. His career averages are 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

ESPN reported that Simmons has recovered from the back and leg problems that had troubled him. He worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry in Miami and held a one-hour meeting with him in late August, leaving a favorable impression. Simmons then visited Sacramento, completed detailed medical testing and training at the team facility, and met with the coaching staff.

The Kings are expected to use him as the backup point guard to rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Sacramento also hopes Simmons can contribute through his defense and experience.