NBA Free Agency 2026: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has officially secured his return to basketball, agreeing to a one-year contract worth 3.5 million dollars with the Sacramento Kings in September 2026. The 30-year-old Australian playmaker finalized terms on a veteran minimum deal after sitting out the entire 2025 26 campaign while rehabilitating chronic nerve and lower back injuries.
The signing comes after Simmons completed successful private workout sessions in Sacramento, meeting directly with Kings general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie.
After passing in-depth physical and medical examinations without limitations, Simmons chose the Kings over competing interest from both the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, viewing Sacramento’s fast-paced offensive system as the perfect setup to revive his career.
NBA Free Agency 2026: Ben Simmons Completes Rigorous Medical Checks Before Signing
Simmons had remained away from competitive basketball since April 2025, when he concluded a brief 18-game run with the Los Angeles Clippers. Following encouraging solo workouts in late August, the former number one overall draft pick flew to Sacramento for a second round of evaluations.
King’s team doctors cleared the versatile point forward without restrictions, prompting the front office to finalize paperwork ahead of official preseason training camp.
Proven All Star Pedigree And Olympic Ambitions For The AustralianÂ
When operating at full strength, Simmons provides rare size, elite transition passing, and premier perimeter defense. Across 383 regular-season NBA appearances with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Clippers, Simmons holds impressive career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest, earning the 2018 Rookie of the Year honor alongside two All-Defensive First Team honors.
Beyond re-establishing his NBA standing, Simmons is focused on securing a starting role with the Australian national team for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Joining a talented Sacramento squad that begins preseason action against the Los Angeles Lakers in October provides the versatile guard with an ideal low-risk platform to prove his durability and silence his critics.
