As Sacramento gambles on the former All-Star, the Miami Heat's championship-caliber roster avoids the risk, prioritizing established veterans over a reclamation project with declining production and immense pressure.
MIAMI, Fla. – Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons reportedly agreed to sign a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, but should the Miami Heat have made an aggresive pursuit?
The 30-year-old hasn’t played an NBA game since April 29, 2025. Simmons’ career has gone downhill since the Philadelphia 76ers’ Eastern Conference Semifinals series loss to the Atlanta Hawks after seven games. Production and reputation have taken a steady decline, but Simmons appears ready to make an NBA comeback.
During the offseason, rumors have circulated, connecting the Heat to the former lottery pick. Although the idea might have been intriguing, to say the least, it wasn’t a path worth walking.
Simmons ’ last productive season in the league was in 2024-25, when he averaged five points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. Those were all career-worst numbers. Even Simmons’ defense hasn’t held up as well as it once did.
The Heat have a reputation for building players back up. Whether it’s Erik Spoelstra or the culture established from within, there have been rejuvenated stories to come through the organization.
However, not every player is worth taking a chance on.
The Heat have championship aspirations ahead of the upcoming season, but it’s higher than it’s been in the last six years. After adding Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade and signing Klay Thompson in free agency, the roster is regarded as one of the best in the Eastern Conference. The Heat’s backcourt would’ve presented an opportunity for Simmons to earn a rotational role, but likely nothing would be guaranteed.
Instead, the former All-NBA guard’s journey takes him to Sacramento. Simmons has a stronger chance of consistent playing time with the Kings, plus there’s no extra pressure.
The Heat have 31 total nationally televised games this upcoming season, which means the spotlight is brighter and the microscope is bigger. If Simmons were to underperform, criticism would be extremely difficult to avoid. The Heat demand a great standard from the players.
Simmons could be facing the final chance of reviving his NBA career. He’s had a couple of chances, but they didn’t turn out so well. Simmons wouldn’t have been a viable option for the Heat’s back end of the roster.
Meanwhile, the organization is evaluating a potential Victor Oladipo reunion and has granted him access to the practice facility. Even with all the injuries, the 34-year-old is a more reliable option.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
