KEY POINTS

  • The Kings may get Simmons by trading Haliburton and a future pick to the 76ers
  • Simmons has yet to see action this NBA season for his decision to sit out games
  • The Hawks are in contention with the Kings to get Simmons from the 76ers

Seeing Ben Simmons back in action could be near if the Sacramento Kings can meet a seemingly sensible demand by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Citing league sources, Shams Charania of The Athletic claimed that the Sixers are interested in a trade that would involve Tyrese Haliburton and a lottery pick in exchange for the Australian cager.

Of the teams interested in the 6-foot-11 cager, this claim is perhaps the most positive in a long while.

Sixers president Daryl Morey initially wanted a legit young player to let Simmons go but lowered that demand a bit thanks to the fine performance of Joel Embiid.

The Kings were singled out as the team that made progress over the rest, and Sacramento may now be at the cusp of getting something done.

The problem is that the Kings had initially made it known that they do not plan to part with Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox.

The original plan was to build around the two guards, The Athletic mentioned in another report.

Considering however that Simmons could be someone who can fit into those plans as well, the Kings may want to rethink that strategy.

Given the right opportunity, Simmons could be the guy that franchise can bank on alongside Fox.

As of this writing, the Kings sport an 18-30 win-loss card in the Western Conference.

Unless they can pull a string of wins, the season could be lost for Sacramento.

For his part, Simmons could still play this season, but his entry is unlikely to turn the fortunes of Sacramento.

Instead, it would start a period of adjustment for him and the Kings with hopes of coming back stronger next NBA season.

Aside from the Kings, the only other team believed to be close to inking a deal with the Sixers are the Atlanta Hawks.

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching. Unless there is another sudden change of heart on the part of Morey and the Sixers, the ball is now in the Kings’ court.

Should the deal be finally closed, the Sixers can finally focus on their current run, while the Kings can start putting things together with Simmons possibly on board.

Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings Getty Images | Thearon W. Henderson