The Philadelphia 76ers have made it clear that they are more than willing to sacrifice this season if it means getting the best value for Ben Simmons.
The 25-year-old star has not played this season, no doubt in protest over still being a part of the 76ers roster. And with weeks to go until the deadline, it’s looking more and more like he might not play this season at all.
But before Daryl Morey and the 76ers abandon trade talks completely, it might be worth giving the Sacramento Kings another call.
In early January, Marc Stein leaked a report that indicated the Kings might be among the few teams in the NBA willing to take on Tobias Harris.
I’ve heard Sacramento described by more than one rival team as the closest thing there is to a trade partner you could class as “favorites” to bring a resolution to the seemingly interminable Simmons standoff before the deadline. Reason being: More than one rival team believes Sacramento, in its desire for a significant shakeup as it bumbles toward a record 16th consecutive season out of the playoffs, could be convinced to take on Tobias Harris’ contract to facilitate a Simmons deal. If the Sixers can’t get the top-flight player they covet, going ahead with a Simmons deal that enables them to shed the two years and nearly $80 million left on Harris’ contract after this season might be too enticing to resist rather than holding out for a star in return.
Since the story broke, news has been silent on all fronts regarding the ongoing Ben Simmons saga. Still, there is a trade between these teams that makes a lot of sense for both sides.
The Kings could send a monster haul of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Harrison Barnes to the Sixers in exchange for Tobias Harris and, obviously, young star Ben Simmons.
Not only would it net the Sixers a star in Fox (and a versatile young point guard to pair with Embiid) it would also add two experienced perimeter shooters to stick on the wing. That would more than make up for Simmons’ absence offensively.
For Sacramento, the need to shake things up has existed for years now. The team under Fox and Hield developed a toxic culture that remains unchecked today. Simmons gives them a new player to build around and Harris provides some of what they lost in Hield and Barnes. The best part of all is that they wouldn’t have to trade Tyrese Haliburton, who is showing flashes of stardom.
All-in-all, it’s a solid trade that gives each side something they’re looking for.
The question is, will it satisfy Daryl Morey? With Ben Simmons locked in for years, he is under no rush to accept an offer he doesn’t like.
But it’s hard to imagine many teams offering more than what Sacramento may be willing to give up.
