Ben Simmons is facing a major stepback in his journey of returning to the NBA with the Achilles tendon injury he just suffered.
However, there are positive news regarding his contract with the Sacramento Kings, despite his season being over before it started.
John Hollinger of the Athletic explained that Simmons is unlikely to be waived due to the salary continuation rule, even though his contract is non-guaranteed.
"The reason is the salary continuation rule, which states that injured players on non-guaranteed contracts must continue to be paid until they are healthy again. (Notably, this protection does not apply to players who sign training camp contracts – also referred to as Exhibit 9 or Exhibit 10 deals, which are only protected up to $15,000. But Simmons didn't sign that type of contract.) As a result, the Kings will have a $2.45 million salary for Simmons on their books all year regardless of whether they waive him," Hollinger wrote.
Kings likely to keep Simmons after devastating injury
Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons
Hollinger revealed that because of the salary continuation rule, waiving Simmons doesn't make sense for the Kings.
"Because of that, don't be surprised if the Kings keep him on the roster and look to use his deal in a trade. The Kings, incidentally, are $3.1 million below the tax line, enough room that they could sign another player in the meantime to fill their open 15th roster spot."
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Sunday that Simmons tore his Achilles during a team practice with an MRI confirming the season-ending diagnosis.
Therefore, Simmons has to put his NBA comeback on hold after a promising preseason with Sacramento, who are most likely to keep the player.