Ben Simmons is back in the NBA.

The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, giving the former No. 1 overall pick another opportunity to revive his career after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season.

Simmons Gets His NBA Return

Simmons, 30, last appeared in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, splitting the year between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Across 51 games that season, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game.

His return follows months of uncertainty over whether the Australian would play in the NBA again.

Simmons recently visited Sacramento, where he underwent medical examinations, completed an on-court workout and met with head coach Doug Christie and members of the Kings staff.

The Kings have now decided to give him that opportunity.

A Very Different Stage of Simmons' Career

Simmons entered the NBA as one of the most highly regarded prospects of his generation after being selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.

At his peak with Philadelphia, he became a three-time All-Star, earned an All-NBA Third Team selection, made two All-Defensive First Teams and won Rookie of the Year.

His combination of size, passing and defence made him one of the league's most unusual talents.

But injuries, particularly recurring back problems, and offensive limitations dramatically changed the direction of his career.

After leaving Philadelphia, Simmons spent time with Brooklyn before finishing the 2024-25 campaign with the Clippers.

He then spent the entire 2025-26 NBA season out of the league.

Low-Risk Opportunity for Sacramento

The $3.5 million agreement represents a low-risk move for Sacramento and a significant opportunity for Simmons.

The Kings were looking for additional veteran depth at point guard, and Simmons gives them an experienced option capable of handling the ball, creating for teammates and defending multiple positions.

Sacramento does not need Simmons to rediscover the form that once made him an All-Star.

If he can remain healthy and provide defence, playmaking and size in a smaller role, there could still be a useful NBA player there.

For Simmons, however, the stakes are considerably higher.

After a full season away, this could be one of the most important opportunities of his career.