Ben Simmons Is Reportedly Healthy, Unrestricted and Exploring an NBA Comeback

Ben Simmons is reportedly healthy, practicing without restrictions and attempting to reopen an NBA career that has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.

Reuters, citing ESPN’s Andscape, reported Monday that the 30-year-old is participating in a player-led private minicamp with the Australian men’s national team in Melbourne. Simmons paid his own way to attend after training primarily in Miami.

The former No. 1 overall pick sat out the entire 2025–26 NBA season while recovering from back and other physical issues. His last league action came with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he appeared in 18 games during March and April 2025.

Several teams have reportedly expressed interest. Simmons is said to be open to a minimum contract, while one Western Conference team has placed a non-guaranteed offer on the table. No signing has been completed, so the market should be described as exploratory rather than a confirmed return.

At his best, Simmons offered an unusual combination of size, passing, transition play and multipositional defense. He won Rookie of the Year for 2017–18, made three All-Star teams and earned two All-Defensive selections. Injuries later reduced both his availability and role; he has not played more than 58 games in a season since 2018–19.

The comeback question is therefore less about reputation than repeatable availability. A team considering a low-risk deal will want to see whether unrestricted workouts can translate into consecutive practices, preseason minutes and a defined role.

Simmons is also targeting Australia’s roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. An NBA return would give him the strongest competitive runway toward that goal.