Ben Simmons’ NBA contract revealed. Image via: Getty Images
Ben Simmons hasn’t played an NBA game in over a year, and Sacramento just bet $3.5 million that the time off actually worked. Everything past it depends on whether a 30-year-old who has battled back and leg problems for years can hold up over an 82-game season. Simmons has a staggering net worth of $80 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. Simmons spent his year away working on his back and leg injuries and even bought a 50 percent stake in a South Florida fishing club. Simmons hasn’t looked like an All-Star since 2020-21, when he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists a game in Philadelphia.
Simmons’ deal tops out at $3.5 million, but it’s non-guaranteed, which means Sacramento can move on without much cost if the comeback stalls, according to NBA reporter Michael Scotto. The Kings signed the three-time All-Star to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, with real money riding on whether he’s still good enough to stick.
Scotto reported Simmons “will earn $1 million” once he survives cuts and reaches opening night. He told Men’s Health he needed distance from the game, saying, “I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again. Speaking to ESPN Australia, Jefferson argued “Ben has the talent to be an All-Star this year” if his body cooperates.
That’s the first checkpoint. Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson isn’t ready to write him off. That’s a big if.