Rumor: Kings Interested In Ben Simmons, But Unwilling To Trade De'Aaron Fox

There has been no shortage of rumors and potential suitors when it comes to All-Star guard Ben Simmons, as the 76ers have recently engaged in trade discussions with multiple teams. Amongst those teams are the Sacramento Kings. However, a palatable deal is unlikely to manifest, considering the Kings are highly unlikely to trade De'Aaron Fox, per The Sacramento Bee's Jason Anderson.

It's previously been reported that the Sixers are asking for another All-Star caliber player in return for Simmons. While Fox is yet to earn an All-Star nod, the 23-year-old put up 25.2 points and 7.2 assists this past season and received All-Star consideration from multiple pundits.

Any trade between the 76ers and Kings that does not include Fox is specious, but that doesn't mean the latter can't put forth a respectable offer. According to Anderson, Sacramento would have to offer a minimum of three first-round picks, as well as Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley. While the trade would be devoid of a commensurate All-Star, the Sixers would be receiving a career 40.3% three-point shooter in Hield — he's also made the most three-pointers in his first five seasons in NBA history — and a tantalizing 22-year-old prospect in Bagley. 

This wouldn't be the first trade bereft of an All-Star that Philadelphia's repudiated. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Sixers turned down a deal from the Pacers that was centered around Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon, 28, averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds this season.

The Sixers have already fielded offers for Ben Simmons but continue to hold a stance that they will only trade him for an all-star caliber player. They most recently turned down a deal with the Pacers that included Malcolm Brogdon and a 1st round pick.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) July 2, 2021

It's likely that more teams will throw their hat into the Simmons trade ring. The most auspicious deal for the Sixers would be acquiring Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade — however, his name is currently linked to numerous teams. Other salient franchises rumored to be interested in Simmons include the Raptors and Timberwolves, with the latter reportedly wanting the three-time All-Star "badly."

Photo Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports