The Sacramento KingsOne of the most aggressive trade teams and once a keen suitor Philadelphia‘s Ben SimmonsSources told ESPN that the team has renounced their attempt to reach a deal with 76ers and instead turned to trade negotiations.
Two weeks before the February 10 NBA trade deadline, Simmons’ asking price was too high. Sources say that Simmons has been rejected by the Kings and that there is no pathway to a deal with the Sixers.
Sources said that the Kings have lost five consecutive games and are currently 13th in Western Conference.
Sacramento is home of several potential trade assets such as forward-looking players. Harrison BarnesGuard Buddy HieldThe center Richaun Holmes.
The Sixers had one of their best options to get Simmons a deal before the deadline. Sources said that while the Sixers may lose them on the market, they still believe there are avenues to make a deal in the next 2 weeks.
Sources claiming that the Kings have quit talks and that the sources are saying the Brooklyn NetsWill not engage in any negotiations with a James HardenIt becomes increasingly likely that Daryl Morey (76ers president of basketball operations) will make a trade to bring Simmons forward into the offseason.
Morey and Simmons remain firm believers in the idea that Simmons’s trade market could bring higher-profile players to the Sixers. The Sixers could have a wider range of options if they pursue free agency after playoff disappointments.
Consistently, the Sixers’ threshold for Simmons deals has been described as a return that would keep their status as contenders for the NBA championship.
Simmons has been signed through the 2024-25 season. The Sixers feel that this gives them the leverage to negotiate a deal. Simmons was a candidate for a trade, but he declined to sign, citing mental health reasons. Joel EmbiidHe has become a favorite MVP while leading the Sixers’ to a 29-19 start — two behind first-place Miami.