Former Phenom Ben Simmons Makes Shocking NBA Return! ‘Off-Season King’ Joins Kings on One-Year, $3.5

　　By Reporter Du Yijun

　　“That guy” is back. After sitting out an entire season, three-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons has officially decided to return to the NBA. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears, the 30-year-old has reached an agreement with the Sacramento Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The versatile forward will begin his 10th NBA season in Northern California, hoping to revive his career.

　　The 2016 top pick was once one of the league’s most complete players, averaging 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals over his career. He also earned two All-Defensive First Team selections.

　　But then came the back injuries and mental struggles. His game fell off a cliff. In the 2024-25 season, split between Brooklyn and the LA Clippers, he averaged just 5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. With the Clippers, that number dropped to 2.9 points, and he was virtually benched during the playoffs. As a result, no team came calling for the 2025-26 season — he spent the whole year on the sidelines.

　　To get back on the floor, Simmons has been working hard behind the scenes. Sources say he traveled to Sacramento this Monday, underwent a thorough medical checkup, and even ran a workout at the team’s practice facility. He also sat down for long talks with head coach Doug Christie and the coaching staff.

　　Actually, the Kings have had their eyes on him for a while. Back in late August, Simmons worked out privately for Kings GM Scott Perry — the meeting lasted a full hour. And just last month, he showed up at a mini-camp for the Australian national team. According to people inside the Kings organization and the Australian squad, Simmons looks strong and healthy right now. That’s the main reason Sacramento decided to take a chance on him.

　　For the Kings, it’s a low-risk gamble — $3.5 million for a former defensive stopper. The big question is whether Simmons can rediscover his old form under Christie’s system and prove he still belongs among the league’s elite. That alone makes him one of the most intriguing storylines for Sacramento next season.