{
  "id": 5595753,
  "title": "Ben Simmons agrees to a 1-year contract with the Sacramento Kings, AP source says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/ben-simmons-agrees-to-a-1-year-contract-with-the-sacramento-kings-ap",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T16:31:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ben-simmons-agrees-1-contract-163141373.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ben Simmons, a prominent former NBA player, has committed to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings, as confirmed by a league insider to the Associated Press. The 30-year-old Australian, a former NBA draft number one selection and three-time All-Star, announced the news, which was initially reported by ESPN. The Kings, who finished the previous season with a 22-60 record, are seeking veteran assistance to rebuild their team. With the recent departures of DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, the Kings believe that Simmons, known for his versatility in defense, can serve as the backup point guard alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Simmons, who was drafted first overall by Philadelphia in 2016, had an illustrious career before his recent struggles with health issues and mental health concerns. Although he was unable to replicate his peak performance during his stints with Brooklyn Nets and Clippers, the Kings still see value in Simmons' defensive capabilities and his potential to contribute as a backup point guard.",
  "summary": "Ben Simmons is making a comeback to the NBA after sitting out last season with injuries, agreeing to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. A person familiar with the deal confirmed to The Associated Press that he will sign with Sacramento. ESPN first reported the move and said Simmons would be paid $3.5 million.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ben Simmons agrees to 1-year contract with Sacramento Kings",
    "30-year-old Australian former NBA draft #1 selection",
    "Kings seek veteran assistance to rebuild team"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Ben Simmons reportedly agrees to 1-year, $3.5M deal with Kings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/ben-simmons-reportedly-agrees-to-1-year-3-5m-deal-with-kings",
        "published": "2026-09-04T13:42:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Ben Simmons agrees to a 1-year contract with the Sacramento Kings, AP source says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/ben-simmons-agrees-to-a-1-year-contract-with-the-sacramento-kings-ap-5598448",
        "published": "2026-09-04T16:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}