Ben Simmons has signed with the Sacramento Kings, turning down a training camp invitation from the New York Knicks. The three-time All-Star opted for a guaranteed one-year, $3.5 million deal over a less certain Exhibit 10 contract with the defending NBA champions. This decision comes as the Knicks maintain strong momentum, having recently beaten the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on June 14 to extend their winning run to two games.
Simmons picked the Kings because they offered a full NBA contract and a clearer path to playing time. The Knicks and Golden State Warriors were only interested in an Exhibit 10 deal, which is essentially a training camp invite with no roster guarantee. Sacramento's offer provided immediate security for a player who missed the entire 2025-26 season.
Brett Siegel reported that the Kings organization "believes in him" and has "a clear vision for how to use him." For Simmons, now 30, the priority is finding minutes to restart his career, not necessarily chasing a title immediately. He last played in the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games split between Brooklyn and the LA Clippers.
The Knicks already face a crowded battle for their final roster spots. Veterans like Drew Eubanks, James Wiseman, Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji and John Konchar are all competing for limited opportunities. Adding Simmons on a non-guaranteed deal would have intensified that competition without a clear promise of a regular season role.
Financial rules also played a part. New York is close to the NBA's second salary apron, which limits how they can use their 14th standard contract slot. They entered the late offseason with only 13 spots filled. Simmons would have arrived at camp needing to prove himself with no certainty of making the team.
The Knicks are the reigning NBA champions and are built to contend again. Their recent form shows they are in fine shape, winning four of their last five games (WWLWW). That stretch included a tense playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, with results like a 107-106 win on June 11 and a 111-115 loss on June 9.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns lead a roster constructed for another championship run. While Simmons could have joined a team with immediate title expectations, he chose a situation in Sacramento with lower pressure, where he can play through mistakes.
For the Knicks, the focus remains on their existing group. They have a deep roster filled with players who contributed to their championship and their strong recent record, including a dominant 130-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 26. The missed opportunity with Simmons is a minor footnote for a team firmly focused on the future.
