Spears: Ben Simmons could be open to long-term stay in Sacramento

Ben Simmons’ path to the Sacramento Kings came together much more quickly than the public realized, but ESPN’s Marc J. Spears provided a behind-the-scenes look at the process that ultimately led to the veteran guard joining Sacramento.

Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, Spears explained that he had spent significant time with Simmons over the past year while working on an unrelated project.

That access gave Spears a close look at Simmons’ recovery and mindset after sitting out the 2025-26 season.

Ben Simmons, according to Spears, told him in the spring that he felt healthy and was ready to return.

The former first-overall pick had been working with a doctor in Los Angeles and focusing on rehabilitation, but there was still a major question: Could he actually play at a high level?

That question began to get answered during an Australian national team minicamp. Spears said Simmons “played extremely well” while competing in five-on-five action against NBA players, even throwing down a dunk.

That performance appears to have caught the Kings’ attention.

“Once he played well in that camp in Australia, that’s when I think Scott Perry got really interested,” Spears said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on December 04, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 99-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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The Kings then moved quickly. Perry traveled to Miami to watch Ben Simmons work out before Simmons flew directly to the Bay Area and made the trip to Sacramento for another private workout.

According to Spears, Kings head coach Doug Christie and the entire coaching staff were in attendance.

The reaction was immediate.

“Within minutes, Doug Christie was like, ‘I’m good. Let’s get him. He looked great,’” Spears said.

Ben Simmons ultimately signed with Sacramento on a one-year, $3.6 million deal, giving the Kings a relatively low-risk opportunity to see whether the 30-year-old can rediscover the form that once made him an All-Star and one of the league’s most versatile defenders.

But Spears also revealed that the relationship could extend beyond this season.

If Ben Simmons has a strong year and the Kings want him back, Spears believes Simmons could have interest in staying in Sacramento. He described Simmons as a “pretty loyal guy” and said that, if the opportunity is right, “I think he’d want to stay.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: A general view as fans cheer during the third quarter in game seven of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on April 30, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Part of the appeal is Sacramento itself. Spears believes the Kings can provide Simmons with something he has rarely had during his career: a chance to play without the overwhelming spotlight that followed him in Philadelphia and Brooklyn.

“I think Sacramento offers an opportunity to not only play but to be supported,” Spears said. “You go to Sacramento, it’s about basketball. You go to Sacramento, I put their fans up with anybody in the world, in terms of the NBA. They eat, sleep, drink [basketball].”

For Ben Simmons, the Kings are more than a comeback opportunity. They could potentially become a long-term home if he proves healthy, productive and comfortable in Sacramento.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Jerry Reynolds on how Ben Simmons could fit with Sacramento’s offense
• NBA insiders connect Jalen Duren’s future to Domantas Sabonis’ Kings uncertainty
• Why the Kings’ future isn’t as bleak as Bleacher Report’s ranking suggests
• Alex Karaban shows how he can fit into the Kings’ offense
• Young Sacramento Kings building early chemistry at Rico Hines’ open runs

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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