Melbourne native and former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Ben Simmons has taken a significant step toward reviving his professional basketball career, finalising a one-year agreement with the Sacramento Kings.
The point guard returns on a US$3.5 million contract (approximately AU$4.9 million) after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from persistent back and leg injuries that have limited his availability in recent years.
Simmons, who last suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers in April 2025, shared news of his signing on social media on Saturday morning (AEST), posting an image of himself wearing a Sacramento cap.
Beyond reigniting his NBA trajectory, the move positions Simmons as a potential candidate for the Australian Boomers ahead of next year’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Boomers, currently led by Washington Wizards assistant coach and former NBL guard Adam Caporn, are pursuing another podium finish following their breakthrough bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago.
During his time away from competitive basketball, Simmons dedicated himself to physical rehabilitation and recently gained momentum in his return efforts during a Boomers mini-camp held in Melbourne last month.
The former Philadelphia 76ers (2017-21), Brooklyn Nets (2022-25), and Clippers (2024-25) guard also reportedly drew serious interest from the reigning champion New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors before ultimately choosing Sacramento.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by Philadelphia in 2016, Simmons missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury before emerging as one of the league’s most promising young talents.
He earned 2017-18 Rookie of the Year honours and was twice named to the All-Defensive team before subsequent injuries disrupted his development.
Simmons has not appeared in more than 58 games in any season since 2018-19.
He has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals across 383 career games (344 starts) with the 76ers, Nets, and Clippers.
Sacramento opens its NBA preseason schedule at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on 5 October, before travelling to face the Clippers in their regular-season opener on 21 October.
The Kings posted a 22-60 record last season, finishing 14th in the Western Conference, and have made the playoffs only once since 2006.
That lone appearance ended with a first-round loss to Golden State in 2023, and the franchise has not won a playoff series since 2004.
