Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry says Ben Simmons is healthy and motivated to return to the NBA because the three-time All-Star misses competing and being part of a team. Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season and is now preparing for a comeback with the franchise.
Perry recently explained the Kings' decision to pursue Simmons during an appearance on Sactown Sports 1140. "Ben Simmons is healthy now and he is really looking to make a comeback in the game. It is really interesting, just looking for the right place," Perry said, via HoopsHype. After connecting with Simmons, the executive travelled to Miami to watch him work out and spend time with him away from the court.
According to Perry, the veteran guard emphasised that his health and desire to play again drove his comeback attempt. "A couple of things that came out right away from him is that, hey, Scott, this is the first time I have been healthy in two years," Perry said. "His mental, he said, I just miss playing basketball."
Simmons, 30, last played in 2024-25, appearing in 51 games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers and averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. His most productive seasons came with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he earned two All-Defensive First Team selections and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2020-21. Across 383 NBA games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 55.8% from the field.
The Kings plan to use Simmons as the backup to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., according to Marc Spears.
