When Russell Westbrook called it a career, a former Philadelphia 76ers guard benefited from his decision. Cam Payne, who held two stints with the Sixers in recent years, was linked to the Sacramento Kings as a potential veteran addition for the 2026-2027 NBA season.
It turns out that Payne might not be the only former Sixer to get a shot at the final roster spot in Sacramento. According Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports 1140, Ben Simmons is finding himself in the mix.
Could Ben Simmons return to the NBA with Sacramento's squad?
It was one of the most sarcastic reports you'll hear this offseason, but the Sacramento-based radio host stated that the Kings' General Manager Scott Perry is in Florida, where Simmons resides. He suggests that Simmons will work out in front of Perry, giving the Kings GM a glance at what Simmons looks like after taking the entire 2025-2026 NBA season off.
Based on the early reporting, it doesn't seem like the Kings are close to giving the former Sixer their final roster spot. Sacramento doesn't need to rush, as they aren't exactly heading into a season where they are expected to contend. However, it seems that Sacramento should be taken seriously as suitors for the ex-Sixers star.
Ben Simmons beyond the 76ers
Back in 2017, nobody could imagine this is where Ben Simmons would be. After he won Rookie of the Year with the Sixers in 2017-2018, Simmons went on to make three straight All-Star appearances. He was a daily triple-double threat who was one of the best perimeter defenders in the game.
After an underwhelming second-round series in 2021 against the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons' career in Philadelphia came crashing down. He held out for half of the 2021-2022 NBA season until he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. While ramping up for his return, Simmons suffered a season-ending setback, preventing him from making his debut.
There were three years spent with the Brooklyn Nets before Simmons reached a buyout in 2024-2025. After that, Simmons joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played for 17 games, averaging 16.4 minutes off the bench.
Those All-Star days are done, and it's unclear if Simmons has what it takes to be an everyday rotational player at this stage of his career. Although Simmons publicly expressed his interest in joining the Sixers or the Miami Heat, neither team has given him an honest look.
The Kings might be Simmons' best bet if the interest is truly there. Sacramento wanted a veteran guard like Westbrook to help guide the young group. Payne will get consideration, along with Simmons. May the best guard win.
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