NBA: Ben Simmons signs with Sacramento Kings in NBA comeback, news, highlights

Ben Simmons is officially headed back to the NBA, with the Australian star landing a new opportunity to resurrect his career after more than a year away from the league.

The three-time NBA All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million (A$4.8 million) deal with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc Spears, bringing an end to his lengthy absence after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season.

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Simmons, who last appeared in an NBA game in April 2025, spent last season away from basketball as he continued to rehabilitate lingering back and leg injuries that have impacted the latter stages of his career.

But after confirming earlier this year that he was working towards an NBA comeback, the 30-year-old impressed Sacramento during an extensive evaluation process that ultimately led to a contract.

Simmons initially worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry in Miami in late August, before travelling to Sacramento to undergo medical examinations and an on-court workout, while also meeting with head coach Doug Christie and other members of the basketball department.

Sacramento subsequently put a deal on the table, with Simmons expected to provide support behind rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. while giving Christie another versatile option capable of playing across multiple positions.

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At 6-foot-10, Simmons’ combination of size, passing and defensive versatility remains his biggest strength, with the Kings unlikely to require him to shoulder a significant scoring load.

Instead, Sacramento gives the former No. 1 overall pick an opportunity to rebuild his career in a complementary role while providing the Kings with some much-needed playmaking following significant changes to their back-court.

The Kings finished last season with a 22-60 record, tied for the worst mark in the Western Conference, and have continued reshaping their roster after previously trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.

Sacramento also waived DeMar DeRozan in July and opted not to bring back Russell Westbrook, creating an opportunity at guard alongside Acuff.

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For Simmons, the move ends a long wait for another NBA opportunity.

The Australian was unwilling to rush his return during his season away from the league, instead focusing on rebuilding his body following years of injury setbacks.

His comeback began gathering momentum earlier this year before Simmons joined the Australian Boomers for a minicamp in August, where he was a full participant and reportedly impressed during his time with the national team.

That helped generate further interest around the league, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors among the teams linked to Simmons and potential training camp opportunities.

Sacramento, however, emerged as the only NBA team willing to offer him a contract, giving Simmons the opportunity to officially restart a career that once had him regarded among the league’s brightest young stars.

Selected by Philadelphia with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury before quickly establishing himself as one of the NBA’s premier young players.

The Melbourne-born guard won Rookie of the Year in 2018, became a three-time NBA All-Star and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honours in 2020.

But his career took a dramatic turn following his final years in Philadelphia, with injuries and extended periods away from basketball significantly limiting his availability.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season and has not played more than 60 games in a campaign since 2020-21.

His most recent NBA season came in 2024-25, when Simmons made 51 appearances across stints with the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds.

After agreeing to a buyout with Brooklyn in February 2025, Simmons joined the Clippers, where he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists across 18 games while playing limited minutes and continuing to battle back issues.

His last NBA appearance came in Game 5 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on April 29, 2025.

Across 383 regular-season games, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals during his time with Philadelphia, Brooklyn and the Clippers.

Now, more than 16 months since he last stepped onto an NBA court, Simmons finally has the opportunity he has spent the past year working towards.