The Sacramento Kings signed veteran forward Ben Simmons on September 4, 2026, in a move that aims to revive his NBA career and fill a roster void for the team. This comes after the Kings closed their 2025-26 season with a 122-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 13 and a recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games.

Simmons, the 2016 first overall pick, needed a team willing to offer another chance after sitting out last season. The Kings, who hadn't added an external free agent this offseason until this move, needed a player for their 2026-27 roster. Both sides represent a potential fit born from necessity, with Sacramento navigating salary cap issues under owner Vivek Ranadivé.

Why did the Sacramento Kings sign Ben Simmons?

The Kings' front office saw an opportunity to add a high-upside player at a likely low cost. Simmons brings elite defensive versatility and playmaking ability when healthy, traits the team has lacked. His signing addresses a clear need for roster depth, especially after a quiet offseason.

Mark Giannotto of USA TODAY noted only a team searching for answers would believe Simmons can still provide value. The veteran's history includes injuries and contract disputes that cost him two full seasons. This will be his tenth NBA season, but only his eighth actually playing in games.

Can Ben Simmons revive his career in Sacramento?

Sacramento offers a lower-pressure environment for Simmons to rebuild his game away from major media markets. The team's system could use his passing in transition, an area where they excel. However, his ability to stay on the court remains the biggest question mark.

Simmons reportedly spent time away from basketball last year, even dabbling in professional fishing. His shooting limitations are well-documented, but the Kings may use him as a defensive Swiss Army knife and a secondary ball-handler. Success hinges on his physical and mental readiness.

What are the risks for the Sacramento Kings?

The move carries significant risk for a franchise seeking stability. Simmons has played just a handful of games over the past several seasons due to back issues. Integrating a player with his unique skill set and recent history into the rotation won't be simple.

If Simmons cannot contribute, it's a wasted roster spot for a team that needs immediate help. The Kings' recent form of LWWLL shows inconsistency they need to address. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.

What comes next for the Kings?

Training camp will be the first real test of Simmons' fitness and fit with the core group led by De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The coaching staff must define a clear, limited role that maximizes his strengths while masking his weaknesses.

This signing doesn't solve all of Sacramento's problems, but it's a low-risk, high-reward gamble. The Kings hope Simmons can rediscover even a fraction of his All-Star form. If he does, he could become a key piece in their push to improve upon last season's finish and make a run at the playoffs.