“Chump change”: Gaze backs Sacramento’s Simmons signing

Andrew Gaze believes Ben Simmons’ recent move to the Sacramento Kings can be a win-win for both player and franchise ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

Simmons signed with the Kings earlier this month on a one-year contract worth $3.5 million ($4.86 million AUD) as he looks to make his first NBA appearance since the 2024/25 season.

Gaze thinks the move is a calculated risk with potentially significant upside if the 30-year-old can get on the court consistently.

“At that level, it’s a free throw at the stumps… three million is relatively chump change,” Gaze told SEN’s The Run Home with Andy and Gazey.

“If it works out, you’ve potentially got an NBA All-Star.”

After several seasons disrupted by injuries and health issues, the former No.1 pick has looked determined to play in the league again.

His training run with Boomers teammates in Melbourne last month has given Gaze further optimism of a successful comeback.

“You look at the recent vision, you think that he’s had a couple of seasons off, he’s had his health issues under control, he’s wanting to get back, and he’s got himself into great shape,” Gaze said.

Sacramento endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, finishing with a 22-60 record, their worst return in a season since 2011-12.

However, with a chance to earn minutes and establish himself within the rotation, Gaze can see the potential of the three-time NBA All-Star contributing to the Kings with great effect.

“He goes to a team that was poor last year so he should get an opportunity,” Gaze said.

“Perhaps he might be more suited these days to how they thought he would be earlier on, and that’s more that four-spot, that three, four, five spot on the offensive end.

“By all reports, they’re thinking about him being, not a front-line guy, (but) a guy that plays a specific role.”

This is the fourth NBA franchise Simmons will suit up for, having previously represented the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Kings open their campaign at home against one of those former sides in the Clippers on Thursday, October 22.