It's looking increasingly likely that Ben Simmons will remain with the Philadelphia 76ers beyond the February 10th trade deadline. Head decision-maker Daryl Morey even admitted as much on Thursday during a local radio interview with 97.5 The Fanatic, admitting “there's a very good chance” Simmons finishes the season with the Sixers.
Just because Morey doesn't currently envision a deal materializing hardly means he's given up all hope of moving the three-time All-Star, though. Not only has Philadelphia lowered its previous asking price for Simmons, but Morey also said the Sacramento Kings have the assets to swing multiple iterations of a trade for him right now.
Daryl Morey: “I can tell you that for sure, there are deals with the Sacramento Kings that would work."
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) January 20, 2022
Sacramento has long been mentioned as one of the most realistic destinations for Simmons.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Wednesday that the Kings are even considering taking Tobias Harris back in a potential Simmons deal, allowing Philadelphia to shed the former's onerous long-term contract. The framework of the theoretical trade sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes and two first-round picks to the Sixers in exchange for Simmons, Harris and Matisse Thybulle.
Sacramento is poised to be one of the most active teams on the trade market leading up to February 10th. De'Aaron Fox has also been reported as a possible trade target for Philadelphia, though his questionable on-court fit with Joel Embiid and status as a franchise pillar with the Kings could prove obstacles to any deal.
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