Ben Simmons handed NBA lifeline in one-year deal with Sacramento Kings

Former No 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, US$3.5m contract with the Sacramento Kings to resume his NBA career. The Melbourne-born guard returns after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to rehabilitating back and leg injuries. While this deal provides a lifeline for the Australian player to reignite his professional basketball journey with his fourth club, sports personality Stephen A. Smith has publicly slammed the move regarding Simmons making his comeback.