Ben Simmons just inked a deal with the Sacramento Kings, but don’t get too excited for him just yet. The former No. 1 pick’s new one-year contract is completely non-guaranteed, meaning he’s gotta earn his spot on that opening night roster just to see a dime. This isn’t your typical NBA contract; it’s a real prove-it situation, and the stakes are pretty high for Simmons.
The Non-Guaranteed Bucks Ben Simmons Needs to Earn
So, here’s the lowdown, straight from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto: Simmons’ deal is worth “up to” $3.5 million, but it’s far from a sure thing. The crucial part? He only gets $1 million if he’s actually on the Kings’ roster when they tip off the regular season. That’s a huge hurdle to clear for a player who hasn’t been a consistent presence on the court. That opening night game is set for October 21st against the Los Angeles Clippers, so the clock is definitely ticking for Simmons to show out. ESPN’s Shams Charania initially reported the contract term and maximum payout, but Scotto peeled back the layers on just how little of that is guaranteed.
Can Simmons Prove He’s Still Got It?
This isn’t just about showing up; it’s about proving he can still play at an NBA level, and more importantly, stay healthy. Simmons hasn’t seen regular-season action since the 2024-25 campaign. He split that season between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, putting up averages of five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 51 games. Not exactly the numbers you’d expect from a former top pick, right? He told Men’s Health’s Clay Skipper back then that he was playing through some real pain, specifically nerve injuries. The Kings brought him in for additional depth, especially after Russell Westbrook, who they’d signed earlier this offseason, announced his retirement last month. If Simmons can actually *prove* he’s healthy, show up in training camp, and play hard in preseason, that’s his golden ticket to that first million bucks.
The pressure is on Simmons to prove his health and skill during training camp and the preseason. Everything he’s been working for, that initial $1 million payout, hinges entirely on making that roster for the October 21st game against the Clippers. It’s a high-stakes audition, and we’ll be watching to see if he can make it happen.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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