Kings reportedly outbid Knicks, Warriors for $203M ex-76ers former first overall pick

The Sacramento Kings still have some decisions to make as the season approaches, but at least they made several solid additions this summer. Domantas Sabonis will be an important player to monitor throughout the season, as there is a possibility that he could be traded.

Sacramento made a significant addition Friday morning by signing Ben Simmons.

“Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney tell me and Marc J Spears. The one-time All-NBA star is back in the NBA for a 10th season after sitting out 2025-26,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

Simmons impressed the Kings during his workouts, and his health also appeared to be in excellent shape.

“Simmons traveled to visit the Kings in Sacramento on Monday, undergoing in-depth medical exams, an on-court workout and meetings with coach Doug Christie and other staffers, sources said. In late August, Simmons also worked out for general manager Scott Perry and met with Perry for an hour. By all accounts within the Kings as well as Team Australia officials where Simmons participated in a players-only minicamp last month, the 30-year-old has looked and felt strong health-wise,” Charania wrote.

It turns out the Kings won the battle for Simmons over a couple of playoff-caliber teams in the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks.

“The Kings weren’t the only team considering Simmons, as league sources say the Knicks and Warriors were also in the mix,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote.

Simmons now has to prove that he still belongs in the NBA after taking an entire year away from the league. The Kings are not expected to be among the NBA's top teams this season, but adding Simmons gives them another experienced player who can provide valuable depth.

Simmons has made $203 million throughout his career. The 10-year veteran is expected to serve as a serviceable backup, but this season could be extremely important for the remainder of his career. Simmons will likely enter the season with a chip on his shoulder, especially after securing a spot with Sacramento over the Knicks and Warriors.