The Sacramento Kings remain a possible destination for free agent Ben Simmons as his decision draws near, but the team’s interest appears cautious. With the 29-year-old former first overall pick expected to announce his next NBA team within the coming week, the Kings face roster and fit concerns that complicate the potential signing.
Simmons, a versatile 6-foot-10 point guard known for his defensive skills and playmaking ability, has spent the 2025 offseason without a contract. Although Sacramento was linked to Simmons, the team’s recent roster move—re-signing Doug McDermott to fill their 15th slot—has made signing Simmons less straightforward, though not entirely ruled out.
Roster Constraints and Strategic Considerations for Sacramento
According to roster analyst Brett Siegel, the Kings must clear a roster spot to pursue Simmons or other free agents like Russell Westbrook, particularly if they aim to sign them on minimum contracts. Terence Davis holds a non-guaranteed $2.55 million contract for the 2025-26 season, potentially providing some roster flexibility if the team decides to make adjustments.
Sacramento would need to free up a roster spot if they were to pursue Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook, or someone else still remaining in free agency via a minimum contract. Terence Davis has a non-guaranteed $2.55M contract for the 25-26 season. —Brett Siegel, NBA roster analyst
The Kings’ current roster status means any attempt to add Simmons would require strategic moves, reflecting their hesitancy given Simmons’ fit with the team culture and playing style. The Kings seem reluctant to disrupt their current structure unless there is a clear benefit to Simmons’ addition.
Ben Simmons’ On-Court Strengths and Challenges
Simmons possesses unique attributes, including elite defensive prowess and strong court vision, making him an intriguing asset for teams seeking a versatile guard or forward. However, offensive struggles and ongoing injury concerns have dampened his market appeal. Despite these issues, franchises in need of a high-impact secondary playmaker likely view Simmons as a valuable option.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst has highlighted that Simmons is carefully evaluating his next step, with the Kings among several teams reportedly in consideration. Windhorst noted,
I’m told he’s probably going to make a choice in the next week, Kings, Suns, Knicks & Celtics have all been connected to him. —Brian Windhorst, ESPN NBA insider
Uncertainty Surrounding Kings’ Interest in Simmons
Recent reports from Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports 1140 reveal that although Simmons’ representatives have reached out to Sacramento, the Kings remain uncertain about signing him. The potential deal would likely be on a minimum contract basis, but the team’s leadership appears hesitant to pursue him aggressively.
I know Simmons’ camp has approached, amongst other teams, the Kings… If the Kings were to bring in Ben Simmons, it would almost certainly need to be on a minimum deal, and it doesn’t sound like that’s what they’re in the market for, —Carmichael Dave, sports broadcaster
From what I tapped in and heard was, it’s nothing against him, just not a fit for what they’re looking for. Not a fit for the culture stuff and all of that. —Carmichael Dave, sports broadcaster
This suggests that while the Kings recognize Simmons’ potential, they question how well he would integrate into their team culture and playing philosophy, which currently seems focused on cohesion and depth rather than risky additions.
Next Steps and Implications for the Kings and Simmons
As the deadline for Simmons’ decision approaches, the Sacramento Kings are at a crossroads. Their uncertainty underscores the complexities teams face in balancing talent acquisition with roster harmony and long-term planning, especially given Simmons’ injury history and uneven offensive game.
Should Simmons opt for another team, the Kings may redirect efforts toward other roster improvements, while a signing would require administrative moves to create space and ensure the right contractual setup.
For Simmons, securing a role with a franchise willing to accommodate both his skill set and health requirements will be crucial for revitalizing his career. The Kings, Suns, Knicks, and Celtics remain the primary destinations tracking his choice, with all awaiting the official announcement expected imminently.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner were together for a year before breaking up. They said the long distance between Kendall in Los Angeles and Ben in Philadelphia caused their split.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Tuesday that Ben Simmons, their main point guard, has been suspended for one game for actions harmful to the team. Because of this suspension, Simmons will miss the team’s first game of the season on Wednesday in New Orleans.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. IMDb reported that Kim Kardashian and her step-brother, Brandon Jenner, had a secret kiss, according to Brody Jenner. However, there’s not much truth to this story.
Sources familiar with the Kardashians revealed that this so-called “kiss” actually happened when Kim was about 11 years old and Brandon was 12.
Q. What is Ben Simmons diagnosed with?
A. The Nets revealed on March 24 that Simmons has a nerve issue in his back and will be sidelined for an unknown period.