$80 million rich 6-foot-10 new Kings star could earn $3.5 million in his big NBA return after a one-year hiatus

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. 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.The number that's getting astonishing hype is $1 million. That's what Simmons pockets simply for making the Kings' roster when they open the season against the Clippers on October 21. Everything else in this contract is built around him earning a spot, not keeping one.How much money will Ben Simmons make in his new Kings tenure?According to NBA reporter Michael Scotto, 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. Scotto reported Simmons "will earn $1 million" once he survives cuts and reaches opening night.That's the first checkpoint. 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.What role is Sacramento actually giving him?Simmons is set to back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr, the Kings' No. 7 pick, though ESPN and Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported he could end up guarding all five positions depending on matchups. Spears also relayed that people close to Simmons see him as someone who could stay in Sacramento past this season if things click, since he's "a pretty loyal guy" by nature.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. 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."Does Simmons still have anything left in the tank?Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson isn't ready to write him off. Speaking to ESPN Australia, Jefferson argued "Ben has the talent to be an All-Star this year" if his body cooperates. That's a big if. 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.Since then, back surgeries and nerve pain have limited him to just 108 games, and his final stretch with the Nets and Clippers last season produced only 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds a night. The Kings aren't expecting that version of Simmons back overnight. They're hoping a healthier body and a smaller stage give him room to rebuild.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.