Shams: Simmons joins the Kings on a one-year minimum contract, returning to the league after a year's absence.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday, Ben Simmons has confirmed his return to the NBA. He has agreed to join the Sacramento Kings, and the two sides are expected to sign a one-year, $3.5 million minimum salary contract.

Simmons, 30, is a 2.08-meter tall, 109-kilogram forward/guard who entered the league as the number one overall pick in 2016. He has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers, accumulating 383 regular season games in his career. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 31.1 minutes per game, and has won numerous honors, including three-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and one steals title.

Simmons also played 39 games in the playoffs, averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 31.6 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 56.7%.

After the 2024/25 season, Simmons temporarily left the NBA due to a back injury. He then devoted a lot of energy to the professional deep-sea fishing industry, even competing with the South Florida Sailing Team as a controlling shareholder and athlete.

After joining the Kings, Simmons will be entering his 10th NBA season. His arrival is expected to fill the Kings' gap in frontcourt rotation and relieve some pressure on this year's 7th overall pick, Darius Akaff.

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