While things have quieted down, for the time being, the Ben Simmons cloud still hangs over the head of the Philadelphia 76ers. The three-time All-Star has cited he is not mentally ready to join his teammates on the court, and a potential return date has not come close to being discussed.
There is still no telling when or how this saga ends, but a trade remains the most likely outcome. Part of the reason why a deal never came about in the offseason was due to Daryl Morey's asking price for the 25-year-old. While some teams weren't willing to part ways with valuable assets in the summer, that might change after playing a handful of regular-season games.
Morey has remained patient up to this point, and for good reason. The Sixers are a team looking to contend for a title right now, which is why he cannot afford to sell low in a trade. It has been made clear Morey is waiting for a win-now move that increases their chances of making a deep postseason run.
.@DwightHoward says he doesn’t like the blame that’s put on Ben Simmons in Philly 👀
(@hbomax) pic.twitter.com/V2i25HGAV2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 10, 2021
Instead of making a panic move before the start of the season, Morey held on to Simmons–hoping a team stumbles out of the gate to start the year. His gamble might be paying off, as one team linked to the former No. 1 pick in the offseason has done just that.
The Sacramento Kings were consistently in reports all summer about trying to acquire Simmons. Through 13 games, they sit at a record of 5-8 and are on the wrong end of a four-game losing streak. On top of their early struggles, news has surfaced of a potential coaching change.
Sam Amick and Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday that Kings' head coach Luke Walton's job “will likely be in peril” if the team continues to struggle. Sacramento has not been to the playoffs in 15 years and is looking to end that drought this 2021-22.
If the Kings are determined to reach the postseason, they could be a team to target in a Simmons trade. While he has had some struggles in the playoffs, Simmons is still a high-level player who can help them attain their goal.
Talks between the Sixers and Kings came to halt when star guard De'Aaron Fox was taken off the table. Between the team's struggles and his dip in production, that could change. The 24-year-old's 19.8 points and 6.1 assists per game are the third and second-lowest marks, respectively, of his young career. On top of his averages taking a hit, The Athletic's report also cited that Fox's comfort level starting alongside Tyrese Haliburton is “becoming an early concern.”
De’Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) stop and go moves to the pull up 🔥 He dropped 37 points with 6 assists and 3 blocks. Fox scored his 5000 career point today. @nba #nba #sacramento #sacramentokings pic.twitter.com/TWvldtePSI
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) November 11, 2021
Even with this early dip in production, Fox should still be on Morey's radar. He is under contract long-term and has continually improved his game every year. Adding him to the roster would give Doc Rivers a pair of dynamic former Kentucky guards.
With such a strong desire to end their postseason drought, the Kings' front office could become pressured to make a trade out of desperation. This is the exact type of moment Morey has been waiting for to step in and make his move. It's still early now, but this is certainly a situation to keep a close eye on.
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