Former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons is returning to the NBA, signing a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. Simmons hasn't played since the 2024-25 campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers, taking a year off after several turbulent seasons.
What is Ben Simmons' NBA history?
Ben Simmons was the first overall pick in the ͏2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Simmons earned the 2018 Rookie of the Year award and was named an All-Star three times during his tenure in Philadelphia. His peak season came in 2020 when he made the All-NBA Third Team. At his best with the Sixers, he averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He was known for his elite playmaking and defensive versatility. But injuries and a very public breakup with the team led to his departure. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia.
Why does this matter for the Philadelphia 76ers?
Simmons' return is a major storyline for the league and a reminder of a significant chapter in Sixers history. His departure was a messy saga that impacted the team's trajectory. You can track the team's progress on our standings page. While Simmons is now in Sacramento, his time in Philadelphia remains a key part of his legacy. The team's current roster construction continues to evolve as they aim to improve from their recent results.
What can Simmons bring to the Sacramento Kings?
The Sacramento Kings are offering Simmons a chance to rebuild his career in a lower-pressure environment. They need his specific skill set. Simmons' primary value lies in his defense and ability to help offense for others. He can guard multiple positions and push the pace in transition. The Kings likely envision him as a secondary playmaker alongside their established stars. His success hinges on his physical and mental readiness to compete at an NBA level again. Sacramento will probably bring him along slowly, not expecting him to immediately return to his All-Star form.
What comes next for Ben Simmons?
The immediate focus for Ben Simmons is integrating with the Kings during training camp and preseason. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and contribute meaningful minutes. His one-year deal is essentially a prove-it contract. If he can rediscover even a fraction of his old game, he could become a valuable piece for Sacramento. For the Philadelphia 76ers, the story moves on. The team must address its own needs, which you can follow through our roster updates, as they prepare for the new season and try to change their recent fortunes.