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Since the dawn of the Ben Simmons saga over the summer, multiple teams have been linked to trade rumors for the disgruntled star. Some have been more consistent, while others have come and gone. Despite a vast number of potential suitors, a deal has still yet to be done.
One of the teams most regularly linked to Simmons is the Sacramento Kings. It's no secret the Kings are desperately trying to end their long-lasting playoff drought, and the former no. 1 pick would certainly get them closer to doing so. It is also worth noting that the idle Simmons reportedly told the Sixers he prefers to be traded to a team in California.
There has been a key roadblock stopping these two front offices from getting a deal done, that being Sixers general manager Daryl Morey's asking price. He continues to seek an All-Star caliber player in return for Simmons and has no intentions of budging. The Kings have a player like that in De'Aaron Fox but have been unwilling to put him on the table. While the Kings had no plans to move on from their franchise point guard in the offseason, their stance might be starting to change.
For starters, Fox's production has seen a slight dip. This season, he is averaging 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The scoring mark is his lowest since the 2018-19 season, Fox's second year in the league. His three-point shot was a key area of development, and even that has regressed. The 24-year-old is shooting a career-worst 25.2% from beyond the arc on just over four attempts per game.
The Kings' team dynamic could also lead to them making Fox available in trade talks for Simmons. Many have questioned the fit of Fox and Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt. Their styles don't mesh well together, and it's growingly apparent.
On top of the questionable fit, Haliburton's recent stretch of games showed a glimpse at his potential. Fox was recently sidelined, giving the second-year guard a chance to be the primary option in the backcourt. During this spurt, he averaged 23.0 points and 10.4 assists per game while shooting over 50% from both the field. It's clear Haliburton's game can still be tapped into, and moving on from Fox could be the key.
The Kings currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference with a 14-21 record. Being so close to a spot in the play-in tournament, they are certainly looking for ways to make upgrades. Simmons is still the hottest name in the trade market, and it's fair to assume the Kings still see him as a way to end their playoff woes.
Between the dip in production and the emergence of Haliburton, now is a perfect chance for Morey to circle back on a potential Fox trade for Simmons. The trade deadline is right around six weeks away, and things are sure to start heating up soon.
