The Sacramento Kings have signed veteran guard Ben Simmons to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, bringing the former No. 1 overall pick back to the NBA after a full season away. Simmons, 30, is expected to serve as the primary backup to rookie point guard Darius Acuff as the team looks to improve on its recent form, which includes a 124-118 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 11, 2026.
Simmons last played in the 2024-25 NBA season, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game that year. The three-time All-Star then sat out the entire 2025-26 campaign to focus on rehabilitating chronic back and leg issues.
NBA insider Marc Spears provided insight on Simmons's current state. "An excited Ben, he's healthy," Spears said on ESPN. "He took a year off to get healthy, and they list him at guard."
The Kings' decision followed a successful player-only minicamp with Team Australia and extensive physical evaluations with the team's front office and head coach Doug Christie. They view the deal as a low-risk move with potential high reward, banking on Simmons's elite playmaking and defensive versatility. His playoff experience, though limited recently, is another factor. In five postseason games during the 2024-25 playoffs, he averaged just 0.8 points and 0.8 assists in 8.4 minutes per night.
The Kings drafted Darius Acuff seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, viewing him as a future cornerstone. Initially, the team considered signing a veteran specifically to guide the rookie, with Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo linked to the role. Westbrook retired and Oladipo never signed, leading to Simmons's arrival.
However, Simmons is not expected to take on a formal mentoring role for Acuff. Given his own recent season-long absence and past questions about his commitment, that responsibility does not fit his situation in Sacramento. The natural mentor for Acuff appears to be veteran guard Malik Monk. Both players have connections to coach John Calipari and were high-scoring college stars. Monk's transition to a steady NBA contributor gives him valuable experience to share with the rookie.
The Kings are aiming to end a three-year playoff drought. Their roster still features veterans Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, who will provide scoring and leadership. The team's recent results have been mixed, with a form line reading 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games (WLWLL). This stretch included the win over Golden State and a 117-113 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 4, but also heavy losses like a 134-90 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on March 24.
Acuff's development as a primary ball handler is a major focus for the franchise's return to postseason contention. Simmons's role will be to provide defensive intensity and playmaking in reserve minutes, offering a different look behind the rookie. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The Kings are betting that a healthy, motivated Simmons can be a valuable piece in a competitive Western Conference.
