Grading The Kings' Decision To Sign Ben Simmons To A 1-Year, $3.5 Million Deal

The Sacramento Kings agreed to sign Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears reported Friday. The 30-year-old, previously the No. 1 overall pick, is returning to the NBA after a full season out of the league. The deal is positioned as a relatively low-cost test rather than a commitment to an All-NBA-level player. The Kings finished 22–60 last season, ranking 26th in offense and 28th in defense, and they have added pieces including De’Andre Hunter and No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. Simmons’ fit is described as defensive and playmaking-focused, though he has not shown shooting.