NBA Trade Rumors: Kings' Offer For Unhappy All-Star May Not Impress Sixers Prexy

KEY POINTS

The Kings are rekindling interest in Ben Simmons with a potential deal happening before the trade deadline
Tyrese Haliburton is seen more as a player Sixers need over De’Aaron Fox
Daryl Morey prefers a star player in exchange for Simmons

The NBA trade deadline is next month and it could be Ben Simmons’ last chance to move to a new team.

Simmons has been silent thus far and there has been no clear indication of what his NBA future holds.

Several teams have been linked, but nothing has gone beyond exploratory or speculations.

In the latest development involving the Australian cager, Sam Amick of The Athletic claimed that through sources, the Sacramento Kings are softening their stance on a potential Simmons deal.

It will be recalled that back in September 2021, seeing Simmons land in Sacramento loomed unlikely.

But after seeing the performance of the team as of this writing, it appears the Kings are singing a different tune and realize that changes are in order.

However, any push for Simmons this time around is likely to be modified.

The names of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton were mentioned before, but Sacramento made it clear that neither of the two players will be included in any deal.

But if one fast-tracks to the present, a lot has changed, including a report from Tim MacMahon of ESPN that Fox is no longer untouchable.

But according to Adam Herman of NBC Sports, a person of interest that may suit the Sixers’ needs would be Haliburton.

Philly has been known to prefer shooters and the 21-year-old seems like a plausible choice.

Furthermore, he could be a key piece to add to the Sixers mix if team president Daryl Morey would consider it.

In a potential trade scenario, the Kings could acquire Simmons in exchange for a package that includes Haliburton, Buddy Hield, a 2023 first-round pick (Top 3 protected), and a 2024 Blazers second-round pick.

That would be a huge package that any team would surely consider. But as most know, Morey prefers an immediate impact player in exchange for the 6-foot-11 cager and it will be interesting if Haliburton makes that grade.

With a lucrative package on the table, Morey may finally consider it and start to focus on the current NBA season.

As for the Kings, Simmons would be a good pick-up–someone who can potentially change things around for the struggling franchise.