Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is back after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.

Simmons returns after sitting out the 2025-26 season while rehabilitating lingering back and leg injuries.

The 30-year-old impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry during a workout in Miami and an hour-long meeting in late August before travelling to Sacramento for another workout on Monday.

Simmons is expected to serve as a backup point guard to rookie Darius Acuff Jr, while also providing the Kings with the versatility to play across all five positions.

The move represents a high-upside opportunity for Sacramento, with Simmons still looking to rediscover the form that made him one of the NBA’s most versatile young players.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors had also expressed interest in Simmons, but the Kings were the only team to offer him a contract.

The Kings are looking to strengthen their backcourt after finishing 22-60 last season, tying for the worst record in the Western Conference.

They waived DeMar DeRozan in July and did not re-sign Russell Westbrook, leaving them with a need for additional options in the backcourt.

Simmons was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft after one season at LSU.

He won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All-Defensive first team in 2020.

However, his career has been disrupted by a series of injuries and other challenges. He missed the entire 2016-17 season with a foot injury before sitting out the 2021-22 campaign during a contract dispute.

He has also dealt with mental health concerns and a number of physical problems, particularly with his back.