Here’s why a Ben Simmons trade with the Kings probably isn’t happening
By Ian Levy
Ben Simmons has given the 76ers an ultimatum. They need to find a trade partner but here’s why the Sacramento Kings are probably out.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Ben Simmons had given the Philadelphia 76ers an ultimatum — if they didn’t find a trade for him he would refuse to report to training camp. The 76ers have been shopping him for months and haven’t found an offer that works for them yet, and Simmons reducing their leverage with his trade demand surely isn’t going to help things.
At this point, the 76ers have probably kicked the tires on the best offer from every interested team in the league. The Sacramento Kings are certainly one of those teams but it seems unlikely they’re willing to meet Philadelphia’s asking price.
The Kings won’t include De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton in a Ben Simmons trade
According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, the 76ers would only be willing to consider an offer that included De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton, an unlikely scenario for the Kings:
"As for Sacramento, sources have suggested the 76ers would only be willing to consider an offer that includes De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings are unlikely to part with either player, but they can offer Buddy Hield, a prolific 3-point shooter who would space the floor for Joel Embiid; Marvin Bagley III, a former No. 2 pick who has yet to reach his potential; and other assets, including multiple first-round draft picks."
If the 76ers really hold that line, this deal is probably dead. Considering the risks involved in trading for Simmons, the Kings shouldn’t include Fox or Haliburton, their two most promising young players. However, it’s possible that the 76ers can’t find a better deal than Hield, Bagley and a future pick or two.
Hield is one of the best shooters in the league. He’s a much more versatile scorer than Danny Green or Seth Curry and he could be incredibly dangerous spacing the floor around Embiid. Bagley’s upside seems far lower than it did when he was drafted but he’s still a mobile, young big with good scoring instincts who could use a change of scenery. It’s not a Harden-esque package like Daryl Morey is reportedly looking for but it could make the 76ers better in the long- and short-term and their options are maybe increasingly limited.