Sacramento Kings Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Marvin Bagley III, G Buddy Hield, SAC 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #9), SAC 2024 1st Round Pick (Top-8 Protected)
It is no secret that the Sacramento Kings want to pursue a big name player and one of the biggest names available in trade talks right now is Ben Simmons. After the Philadelphia 76ers came up short of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, Simmons took a lot of the blame because of his lackluster performances on the offensive-end of the floor.
He cannot hit a jump shot to save his life and he shot just 25-73 (34.2%) from the free-throw line. Ben Simmons is a multi-time All-Star and an All-NBA performer, yet he cannot make a shot unless he is right underneath the basket! This is why Philly has made him available in trade talks, but why would the Kings want a player like this?
Ben Simmons is viewed as a “project” right now, but the good thing for the Sacramento Kings is that they have time to devote to tapping into his full potential. With time, Simmons can actually be one of the better two-way players in the league, he just needs a team to believe in him and allow him to get comfortable within an offense.
In Philadelphia over the years, Simmons has looked kind of “skittish” on the court and hesitant at times, which may be directly contributing to his struggles. If he is being told to only be a facilitator and to not look to score offensively, this could absolutely limit his production for them and result in him struggling when he does need to score/make free-throws.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Lillard, LaVine, Simmons, Sexton
Everything seems like a mind game right now with Ben Simmons and in Sacramento, he really would not have to take on all the burden as a primary ball-handler. De’Aaron Fox is another highly talented, young player who could thrive in pick-and-roll situations with Ben Simmons being an “off-the-ball” point-forward.
Sources have told NBA Analysis Network that the Kings remain “vigilant” on their pursuit for Ben Simmons and they truly believe that adding him to their team can change their season outlook moving forward. The 76ers want to contend for a championship now, which is why they could be interested in getting Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield and the 9th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Lillard, LaVine, Simmons, Sexton
All three of these players can contribute to them right now in their efforts to potentially win the Eastern Conference, which is why they could be willing to trade Simmons to the Kings. This trade scenario is definitely something to keep an eye on this offseason, especially if the 76ers continue to pursue a Ben Simmons trade.
