Ben Simmons' 'Fantastic' Kings Workout Detailed in New NBA Rumors amid Comeback Bid

The Sacramento Kings reportedly played host to a strong showing from free agent Ben Simmons after holding a private workout with the NBA veteran.

Sactown Sports 1140's Carmichael Dave said Wednesday someone who viewed the workouts texted him that Simmons "looked fantastic."

Dave previously reported Kings general manager Scott Perry went to Florida to watch Simmons work out.

Simmons, who turned 30 in July, last played in the NBA during a 2024-25 campaign he split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers' top pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons dealt with back injuries that derailed the last few seasons of his NBA career.

He played 51 games in his last NBA season, but told Clay Skipper of Men's Health earlier this offseason he had been playing through pain due to a nerve injury.

Simmons also told Skipper he was feeling great and planning to make a return to the NBA.

The Kings have two roster spots remaining. The franchise could fill up both with minimum contracts without exceeding the luxury tax, per CapSheets' Yossi Gozlan .

ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported earlier this month Simmons had "an offer from a West team to come to training camp."

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported the following week the Kings had started a series of workouts featuring veteran players.

Veterans the Kings had shown interest in include Cam Payne, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, according to Fischer.

Payne played 22 games last season for the Philadelphia 76ers as a fringe rotation player who missed time due to a hamstring injury.

Oladipo and Payton, like Simmons, are both looking to make a return to the NBA after time away from the league.

Payton last played in 2024-25 for the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets, while Oladipo hasn't seen NBA action since the 2022-23 campaign.

Simmons' health and the status of these other NBA veterans could impact which direction the Kings ultimately take as the franchise looks to add depth before rosters are finalized Oct. 19.