Ben Simmons could be getting a chance to return to the state of California.
The former NBA All-Star forward Simmons is being linked to the Sacramento Kings this week in offseason rumors. Veteran Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave reported on Tuesday that Kings GM Scott Perry will be watching Simmons work out in Florida this week.
Simmons, 30, is a former No. 1 overall pick who previously made three NBA All-Star teams and earned three All-Defensive selections with the Philadelphia 76ers. But Simmons’ production slowly declined over the years (thanks to some well-documented back injuries and mental health issues), ultimately resulting in the ex-LSU star going unsigned through the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
But now Simmons is pursuing a return to the league and has been publicly teasing a comeback for several weeks. We recently even learned that multiple NBA teams were interested in potentially signing him.
As for the Kings, they went a horrific 22-60 last season and lost a number of guards, including Russell Westbrook to retirement and DeMar DeRozan to a voluntary release. While Sacramento does now have two promising young guards in need of minutes in Nique Clifford (24) and 2026 lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr. (19), adding a more seasoned ball-handler would certainly help matters for them.
Simmons last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the LA Clippers, averaging just 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Now it looks like Simmons could get another shot in the Pacific Division with the Kings if he impresses Perry and the rest of the team brass.
