Structural Collapse: Ben Simmons Sidelined by Achilles Tear
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The Sacramento Kings face a roster crisis after a practice injury to Simmons underscores the fragility of his comeback attempt.
The Sacramento Kings' plans for the 2026-27 season have been upended following a catastrophic injury to Ben Simmons, as Sports Illustrated first reported. According to the outlet, the former first-overall pick suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear during practice on Sunday.
Simmons was viewed as a primary solution for the Kings' defensive shortcomings and a means to address concerns regarding a lack of backup ball-handling. While he was projected to serve as a starting point forward, his absence creates an immediate void in the rotation.
In response to the injury, the Kings are exploring point guard reinforcements. NBA insider Jake Fischer, cited by Sports Illustrated, reports that Sacramento has already contacted the Milwaukee Bucks regarding guard Kevin Porter Jr. Porter Jr., 26, is currently owed $5.4 million in the final year of his contract and averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game last season.
Additionally, co-insider Marc Stein reports that the Memphis Grizzlies are seeking a trade for 23-year-old guard Walter Clayton Jr. before a 5 p.m. ET roster cutdown deadline. Clayton Jr., the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is owed $4.2 million this season. During his rookie year, Clayton Jr. averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
The Grizzlies and Bucks have until 2 p.m. PT on Monday to finalize a trade for their respective guards, leaving the Kings with a narrow window to fill the gap left by Simmons' structural collapse.