Ben Simmons will still have to prove himself before touching an NBA floor again.
The former All-Star forward Simmons officially signed with the Sacramento Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million contract earlier this week. However, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported Wednesday on some interesting details about Simmons’ new deal.
Simmons’ contract is reportedly non-guaranteed and will only be worth “up to” that $3.5 million figure. Scotto adds that Simmons is set to earn $1 million if he makes Sacramento’s opening night roster.
Still only 30 years old, the former No. 1 overall pick Simmons is making his return to the NBA after sitting out of the entire 2025-26 season. He had looked very good in summer workouts, prompting the Kings to ultimately take a swing on Simmons.
Simmons, also a two-time All-Defensive selection, reportedly turned down two big-name NBA teams to join Sacramento. With the Kings, he projects to be the most seasoned ball-handler on a team that lost Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan this offseason and will likely be relying heavily on 24-year-old Nique Clifford and 19-year-old lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr.
Still, Simmons has faced some concerns in the past over his health and his dedication to the game. As a result, Sacramento will be lightly protecting themselves as they look ahead to opening up training camp later this month with Simmons in tow.
