3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a much better spot in the standings than the Sacramento Kings, but both teams could use a trade. Could they come together on a deal centered around Ben Simmons?
The Kings were one of the teams mentioned as a landing spot for Simmons before the season, but they were hesitant to include De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton in trades with the 76ers. Their preference to hold onto them hasn’t changed, but with the green light to make a deal, could the Kings get back to the negotiating table and pull the trigger?
Sacramento could certainly use the elite defense that Simmons would bring to the court. That end of the court has been an issue for them for years with the 76ers and he would help them turn things around.
The Kings have some good shooters in Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes that they could surround Simmons with as well. The more shooting put around the offensively-challenged Simmons the better. Unless he is willing to play a frontcourt role, the team that acquires him from the 76ers needs to surround him with as much floor spacing as possible to open up the offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kings’ Tyrese Haliburton Thriving Without De’Aaron Fox In Lineup
Pairing Maurice Harkless with Fox would help make the money work in a deal. The 76ers likely want to keep as much of their core intact, so if they were looking for more than Fox in return, they would have to start breaking up more of their roster.
