“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it.” When Ben Simmons posted those words on social media last month, fans immediately wondered if it was a farewell note or the opening line of a comeback tale. On Friday morning, the mystery was solved, and it’s the latter.
Ben Simmons Is Making a Comeback in the NBA
On Friday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on X that Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to his representatives Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney, with the report also confirmed by veteran NBA insider Marc Spears.
The move marks the return of the former No. 1 overall pick, who is now set to begin his 10th NBA season after spending the entirety of the last one away from the game.
Just in: 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 @MarcJSpears. The one-time All-NBA star is back in the NBA for a 10th season after sitting out 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/xj5X7lr3op
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 4, 2026
As news of Simmons’ comeback spread across social media, reactions from the NBA world quickly began pouring in.
Simmons’ last NBA action came with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 campaign, a stint that began only after Brooklyn waived him mid-season. In his 18 appearances for LA, the three-time All-Star averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Rather than chasing another roster spot, the 30-year-old made the decision to step away entirely for 2025-26. He chose to address the chronic back and nerve problems that had quietly derailed his career for years.
He also turned down a minimum-salary offer from the New York Knicks during that stretch, signaling he wasn’t ready to rush his return until his body cooperated. Now, after this revelation by Charania, some influencers are already rooting for the comeback.
“Good for Ben – I hope he bounces back,” one influencer said, whereas another one wrote, “I’m rooting for Ben Simmons. Hope he can have a productive, healthy and fulfilling year. He still had the all-around skills when he was with the Nets/Clippers two seasons ago. Talent is still there. Glad to see him giving it another go.”
Good for Ben – I hope he bounces back
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) September 4, 2026
One influencer joked that landing on a Kings team that many view as rebuilding could actually inflate Simmons’ stat line.
“Ben Simmons on a horrid tanking Kings team? Yeh he’s averaging 21-8-11,” the influencer said, whereas another one wrote, “Can’t write this stuff.”
Ben Simmons on a horrid tanking Kings team? Yeh he’s averaging 21-8-11
— Agent 0 (@FT_Merchant05) September 4, 2026
While most fans were busy speculating about whether Simmons could rediscover his best form this season, one user took a different approach.
They pointed to the defensive value of the move. They suggested that bringing Simmons to Sacramento could give the Kings another option on the defensive end.
“Keegan Murray. De’Andre Hunter. And now, Ben Simmons. Sacramento has some options when it comes to defensive versatility. Of course, we’ll see what Simmons has in the tank, but the Kings need defenders. Low risk, high reward, IMO,” the user wrote.
Keegan Murray.
De’Andre Hunter.And now, Ben Simmons.
Sacramento has some options when it comes to defensive versatility.
Of course, we’ll see what Simmons has in the tank, but the Kings need defenders.
Low risk, high reward, IMO. https://t.co/cqlCyW3GI0
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) September 4, 2026
With his NBA return now official, the biggest question is no longer whether Simmons will play again. It is whether a healthy Simmons can finally rediscover enough of his old form to make this comeback count.
