The Sacramento Kings are exploring their options for additional guard depth behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., and Ben Simmons has emerged as a potential name to watch.
Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave reported Tuesday that Kings general manager Scott Perry is in Florida, where Simmons is working out. Sactown Sports has since confirmed that Perry is in Florida to watch Simmons go through the workout.
The development adds another layer to the Kings’ ongoing search for help behind Acuff, the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While Simmons could provide depth at point guard, his 6-foot-10 frame and defensive versatility would allow Sacramento to use him in multiple positions and lineup combinations.
Dave broke the news during Tuesday’s edition of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, while acknowledging that Simmons could be one of several players Perry is evaluating.
“I don’t want to make a big deal, but I want everybody to sit down because Sactown Sports is now officially reporting that Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry is in Florida,” Dave said.
Dave then revealed the player he believes Perry is there to watch.
“That’s 6’11 from LSU. Point guard, forward, center, Ben. Ben Simmons!” Dave exclaimed.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 01: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers calls to teammates during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center on March 01, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
More on Ben Simmons
While the workout does not necessarily mean the Kings are preparing to sign Ben Simmons, Sacramento’s interest would make sense given the team’s need for another ball-handler and its desire to add depth behind Acuff.
Simmons, 30, is attempting to return to the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season to focus on recovering from back and other injuries. The former No. 1 overall pick has reportedly generated interest from multiple teams and is willing to sign for the veteran minimum.
Earlier in the show, Dave made the case for why Simmons could make sense for Sacramento, pointing to his ability to contribute in several areas without requiring a significant financial commitment.
Now, with Perry reportedly watching Simmons work out in person, the possibility of a Kings-Simmons partnership has become a little more tangible.
Dave was careful not to get ahead of himself, however.
“I would say these two words: guarded optimism,” Dave said.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
He later compared the situation to finding a potential fixer-upper, joking that the Kings and Ben Simmons are “on Redfin” and, more appropriately, “on Benfin.”
For Sacramento, the appeal is straightforward: Simmons could potentially provide another veteran option behind Acuff while giving head coach Doug Christie a versatile defender capable of handling multiple positions.
As Dave put it, “It’s a workout, guys. Calm down, everyone.”
But with Scott Perry in Florida to watch Ben Simmons work out, it’s certainly a development worth watching.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason
Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)