The Ben Simmons rumors are coming fast and furious. Despite his anemic postseason—particularly in the Sixers’ second-round loss to Atlanta—the three-time All-Star is still attracting plenty of trade interest with the Sacramento Kings reportedly among his top suitors.
Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee confirms the Kings have expressed “interest” in acquiring Simmons from Philadelphia, though, to this point, they’ve been unwilling to include leading scorer De’Aaron Fox (career-high 25.2 points per game in 2021) in any potential trade, preferring to offer a package built around long-range marksman Buddy Hield (40.6 career three-point percentage) and former second overall pick Marvin Bagley III. Despite Daryl Morey’s close ties with Kings GM Monte McNair (both worked in Houston’s front office), Bagley and Hield probably won’t be enough to entice the Sixers, who sources believe would only move Simmons for one of Fox or Tyrese Haliburton, the latter a finalist for Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Though the 76ers have mostly employed Simmons as a point guard, the Kings reportedly view the 24-year-old as a forward. Whether it’s in Sacramento or elsewhere, that transition may be inevitable for Simmons, who despite monster athleticism and rare ball-handling ability for his size (6’11”/240), is arguably better suited for a frontcourt role, where his lack of shooting range wouldn’t be as evident.
A fresh start would probably be best for all involved (the fan base and even some of Simmons’ own teammates appear to have turned on him), though don’t expect Morey to trade the embattled point guard for pennies on the dollar. While the Cavaliers, Pacers and Timberwolves have seemingly been the most aggressive in their pursuit of Simmons, Anderson anticipates the Sixers holding out for a bigger name with Trail Blazers megastar Damian Lillard likely atop their wish list. Anderson could also see Simmons being dealt for Raptors veteran Kyle Lowry, a Philadelphia native who played locally at Villanova. Lowry, who the Sixers came close to landing at the March trade deadline, would have to be acquired in a sign-and-trade deal similar to Boston’s Terry Rozier for Kemba Walker swap in 2019.
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