Ben Simmons 2026: A New Team and Another Comeback Attempt
Ben Simmons 2026 brings a fresh chapter for one of the NBA’s most talked-about former stars. The 6-foot-10 guard-forward signed a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on September 4, 2026, giving him a new opportunity after a turbulent few years. However, the move comes with plenty of familiar skepticism, since Simmons continues chasing the form that once made him a top overall pick.
Why Ben Simmons 2026 Is Worth Watching
Few players have generated as much debate over the past several years as Simmons. His 2026 chapter carries real intrigue, both for basketball reasons and for the ongoing storylines surrounding his development.
Here’s why fans are paying attention:
- Simmons was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
- He’s now on his fourth NBA team since his Philadelphia 76ers tenure ended.
- He signed for a modest $3.5 million, a clear sign of his current market value compared to his peak.
Additionally, Simmons is only 30 years old, meaning there’s still meaningful time for him to rebuild his career if he can stay healthy.
Ben Simmons’s Contract With the Kings
Deal Details
According to Spotrac, Ben Simmons’s 2026 contract with Sacramento is a one-year deal worth $3,524,115, with a cap hit of $2,449,421. Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the agreement on September 4, 2026.
Trade Restrictions
The contract includes a trade restriction preventing Simmons from being dealt until December 15, 2026. As a result, Sacramento will have him locked into their roster for at least the first few months of the season regardless of performance.
Simmons’s Recent NBA Journey
To understand where Ben Simmons 2026 fits into his career, it helps to look at his recent path through the league.
- His time with the Brooklyn Nets ended when his contract was bought out in February 2025.
- He then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
- During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks across 51 regular-season appearances.
- He played limited minutes during the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against Denver, including a two-point, one-block outing in Game 4.
Therefore, Simmons enters this new chapter with modest recent production, making his role in Sacramento something worth monitoring closely.
The Ongoing Jump Shot Debate
A Familiar Storyline Returns
Perhaps no storyline follows Simmons more consistently than questions about his jump shot. Offseason highlight videos showing him practicing shooting have become something of an annual internet moment, often met with skepticism rather than optimism.
The 2026 Reaction
This year was no different. After Simmons participated with reportedly zero restrictions at a private minicamp for the Australian men’s national basketball team, new highlight clips again circulated online. However, the reaction leaned heavily toward mockery, with one fan page joking, “The annual Ben Simmons offseason jump shot video,” while another asked, “How is this still happening in 2026??”
The Numbers Behind the Skepticism
The skepticism isn’t without basis. Simmons has shot just 5-for-36 (13.9%) from three-point range across his entire NBA career, a stat that has fueled ongoing criticism throughout his time in the league.
Simmons’s Background and Rise
Ben Simmons 2026 represents the latest stage of a career that began with enormous expectations. Born in Melbourne, Australia, to an American-born father who played professional basketball there, Simmons is a dual citizen who has also represented the Australian national team.
He first gained attention at the Pangos All-American Camp before moving to the United States in January 2013 to continue his development, eventually becoming one of the most hyped prospects of his draft class.
Common Questions About Ben Simmons in 2026
What team does Ben Simmons play for in 2026?
He signed a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on September 4, 2026.
How much is Ben Simmons’s 2026 contract worth?
His deal is worth $3,524,115 for the 2026-27 season.
Why do fans mock Ben Simmons’s jump shot?
He has shot just 13.9% from three-point range for his career, despite years of offseason shooting highlights suggesting improvement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t assume Simmons’s Kings deal signals a guaranteed rotation role; his recent minutes have been limited.
- Don’t confuse this year’s shooting highlights with confirmed in-game improvement; skepticism remains high among fans and analysts.
- Don’t overlook the trade restriction on his contract, which prevents any move before December 15, 2026.
Conclusion
Ben Simmons 2026 marks yet another fresh start for a player whose career has been defined by both immense potential and persistent challenges. With a modest one-year deal in Sacramento and familiar questions swirling around his jump shot, this season offers Simmons another chance to prove there’s still meaningful basketball left in his game. Whether the Kings stint becomes a genuine turning point remains to be seen as the season unfolds.
