Australian Simmons makes NBA comeback with Kings: reports

Australian Ben Simmons, who missed last season with nagging back injuries, has agreed on a one-year NBA comeback deal with the Sacramento Kings, according to multiple reports on Friday.

The 30-year-old point guard was the top pick in the 2016 draft by Philadelphia but missed the 2016-17 campaign with a broken right foot only to earn the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Simmons last played in the NBA in early 2025 as a reserve with the Los Angeles Clippers but ESPN and The Athletic reported he has come to terms on a deal worth $3.5 million with the Kings, who were reportedly impressed with his performance at a workout this week.

He will likely serve as a backup for rookie guard Darius Acuff, the seventh pick in last June's draft, as well as a possible fill-in at other roster positions.

Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game over eight NBA seasons, producing his best numbers with the 76ers before sitting out the 2021-22 campaign then being traded to Brooklyn, where he struggled and was waived in 2025 before finishing the season with the Clippers.

Simmons boosted interest from clubs last month after a strong training camp with the Australian national team.

The Kings were 22-60 last season and dropped guards DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook in the off-season.

Sacramento have reached the playoffs only once since 2006, suffering a first-round loss to Golden State in 2023.

The Kings last won a playoff series in 2004 and the franchise won its lone NBA title in 1951 as the Rochester Royals, their 75 years since reaching the NBA Finals a dubious league record.