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Ben Simmons was on the New York Knicks' radar before completing his NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears.
Simmons ultimately chose Sacramento, agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
The three-time All-Star is returning to the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season.
The 30-year-old Aussie last played for the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers during the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games.
His most recent NBA appearance came with the Clippers on April 29, 2025, in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.
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Simmons previously rejected similar Knicks opportunity
Simmons had already passed on an opportunity to join New York a year earlier.
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported Simmons could have joined the Knicks last offseason but declined because the proposed contract did not include guaranteed money.
"A year ago, he basically turned down that situation from the Knicks," Fischer said in August.
"He could have had that exact situation from New York, and the fact that it wasn't guaranteed money was a major reason why he didn't join the Knicks."
The former No. 1 overall pick has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 383 regular-season games.
Injuries have heavily impacted Simmons' career, with two back surgeries since 2022 and recurring knee and nerve issues limiting his availability.
He has not played more than 58 games in a season since 2018-19.