# Ben Simmons NBA and Australian national team comeback > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ben-simmons-nba-and-australian-national-team-comeback > Updated: 2026-09-11T13:53:53.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 9. Ben Simmons is working toward a professional basketball comeback following a period of injury recovery and professional uncertainty. After sitting out the 2025-26 season to recover from back injuries and nerve impingements that required surgery, the 30-year-old former All-Star has been participating in a self-funded, player-led Australian national team minicamp in Melbourne. Coaching staff have reported that he is training with ‘zero restrictions’ and has regained his athleticism. Simmons has expressed interest in representing the Australian national team, the Boomers, at both the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Regarding his NBA future, Simmons has officially secured a return to the league by signing a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Sacramento Kings worth up to $3.5 million. Under the specific terms of the deal, Simmons will earn $1 million if he successfully makes the team’s opening-night roster. Following the signing, a public dispute emerged between Simmons and Patrick Beverley. On his podcast, Beverley suggested that Simmons ‘quit’ the game and was being ‘gifted’ an opportunity to return, arguing that players actively competing in the G League deserved the chance more. Simmons responded via Instagram, defending his comeback by stating, ‘I played two years not physically right. This ain't no hand out. I worked my ass off to be in this position.’ He further accused critics of fabricating stories for their own benefit. ## Claims - Ben Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to chronic back issues. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Simmons is a three-time NBA All-Star and the 2018 Rookie of the Year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Simmons underwent medical exams, an on-court workout, and meetings with Kings staff in Sacramento prior to the signing. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Ben Simmons responds to Patrick Beverley's NBA comeback criticism Ben Simmons has responded to Patrick Beverley’s criticism regarding his NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings, defending his work ethic after a year away from the league. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-responds-to-patrick-beverleys-nba-comeback-criticism ### 2026-09-08: Ben Simmons signs non-guaranteed one-year deal with Sacramento Kings Ben Simmons has signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, aiming for an NBA comeback after a year away from the league. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-signs-non-guaranteed-one-year-deal-with-sacramento-kings ### 2026-09-06: Ben Simmons agrees to one-year deal with Sacramento Kings Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after a season sidelined by injuries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-agrees-to-one-year-deal-with-sacramento-kings ### 2026-09-04: Ben Simmons signs one-year deal with Sacramento Kings Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after a season sidelined by injuries. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-signs-one-year-35m-deal-with-sacramento-kings ### 2026-08-31: Sacramento Kings consider Ben Simmons for potential comeback The Sacramento Kings are considering a low-risk contract for Ben Simmons to leverage his defensive and passing skills following his recent struggles with injuries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sacramento-kings-consider-ben-simmons-for-potential-comeback ### 2026-08-28: Ben Simmons pursues NBA comeback following Florida workout Ben Simmons is reportedly pursuing an NBA comeback following a year of inactivity, receiving positive feedback after a recent workout in Florida where observers described him as looking “fantastic.” 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-pursues-nba-comeback-following-florida-workout ### 2026-08-26: Ben Simmons pursues NBA return and Australian national team comeback Ben Simmons is working toward a professional comeback, participating in training in Melbourne to signal interest in returning to the Australian Boomers and undergoing workouts to secure an NBA return. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-pursues-nba-return-and-australian-national-team-comeback ### 2026-08-13: Ben Simmons targets NBA and Boomers comeback Ben Simmons is working toward an NBA and Australian Boomers comeback following injury struggles and a recent stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-targets-nba-and-boomers-comeback ### 2026-08-09: Ben Simmons targets NBA comeback via Australian national team camp Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is eyeing a league comeback and training with the Australian national team in Melbourne, reportedly receiving interest from several NBA franchises. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-simmons-signals-potential-nba-comeback --- Cite as: Ben Simmons NBA and Australian national team comeback. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ben-simmons-nba-and-australian-national-team-comeback