Ben Simmons signs with Sacramento Kings for NBA return

Ben Simmons has signed a non-guaranteed $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, marking his return to the NBA after sitting out the 2025-26 season. During his year away from basketball, Simmons focused on rehabilitating persistent back and leg injuries and spent time in professional sport fishing.

At a recent media session, Simmons addressed critics who suggested his absence was due to a lack of passion for the sport, calling those claims “bulls**t.” He stated that his time away was necessary to focus on his physical and mental health, asserting, “I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at.”

Simmons expressed a desire to “dominate” upon his return and noted that he feels physically and mentally rejuvenated. Additionally, he has expressed interest in representing the Australian national team, the Boomers, at the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Qatar.