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The Sacramento Kings are rumored as a Ben Simmons suitor as the Philadelphia 76ers open up trade conversations involving the young All-Star. The Sixers reportedly want an All-Star-caliber player in return for Simmons, though, and that means the Kings would likely have to give up De'Aaron Fox to make a trade work.
If Philly actually holds that stance, would Sacramento be willing to pull the trigger on a Simmons deal that includes Fox? The answer, for right now at least, is no.
Via Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee:
The potential for a deal is there, but the 76ers are reportedly seeking an All-Star caliber player in return. De’Aaron Fox would probably fit that description, but sources have maintained the Kings are highly unlikely to trade their dynamic 23-year-old point guard.
This is an understandable stance. While Fox has never been named an All-Star and obviously doesn't have the defensive chops of Simmons, he's a much more complete offensive player and a guy the Kings always turn to in crunch time for big shots. At just 23 years old, Fox still has room to grow as well, especially when it comes to his outside shooting.
Fox averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 35.1 minutes per game this season. The young point guard shot a stellar 47.7% from the field, but he was only at 32.2% from 3-point range on 5.5 attempts per game. If he can get that percentage up to more around league average of 35-36%, he would be that much more dynamic given his ability to put pressure on the rim with his speed. He did shoot over 37% from 3 in 2018-19, albeit on lower volume.
The Kings gave Fox a max extension before this season, so they're already invested in him. Dealing him away for Simmons just wouldn't make much sense at this point.
Jones has more details on possible trade scenarios involving the Kings and Sixers:
Sacramento would probably be willing to offer a package that includes Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and one or more future first-round draft picks. One league source recently told The Sacramento Bee the Kings would have to send a minimum of three first-round picks to the 76ers in a trade constructed around Hield and Bagley. Another source said the 76ers wouldn’t be interested unless Fox or Haliburton were included in the trade, but Hield’s elite 3-point shooting and Bagley’s unrealized potential could be appealing if a better deal doesn’t materialize.
