Kings show strong interest in acquiring Sixers’ Simmons
PHILADELPHIA — How bad do the Sacramento Kings want Ben Simmons?
Multiple sources previously said the Western Conference team was willing to complete a deal for Simmons and Tobias Harris. And the Kings still have interest in acquiring the Philadelhia 76ers’ two highest-paid players, according to sources.
One source said Sacramento has considered packaging Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes and two firstround picks for Simmons, Harris and Matisse Thybulle. However, the source said the Sixers aren’t interested in that package.
Another source said the Sixers haven’t received a formal trade offer at this time. The source added that none of those talks have involved Thybulle or any of the Sixers’ other young players. Speaking of Thybulle specifically, the source added the secondteam All-defensive selection is close to being untouchable.
However, the Kings have contacted people around the league in order to get background information on Thybulle, Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed, according to sources.
League executives believe the Sixers are content with holding onto Simmons throughout this season and moving him in the offseason.
But this isn’t the first time Harris’ name has come up in trade discussions involving Simmons.
Last week, the Atlanta Hawks considered sending John Collins, Cam Reddish and a first-rounder to the Sixers in exchange for Simmons, according to sources. However, the talks stopped after Harris’ name was brought into the deal.
The Sixers denied a report that said they’re packaging Harris alongside Simmons. However, multiple teams around the league say that’s the case. Sources have even said the Sixers are shopping Harris, which also has been denied.
The Kings know the Sixers aren’t interested in acquiring standout point guard De’aaron Fox in a deal for Simmons. A source said that’s why the Kings want to include Barnes in the deal. The power forward’s $20.2 million could help make salaries match up. Barnes is also someone that has value around the NBA.
But, intent on getting Simmons, a source said the Kings are trying to find a way to acquire Harris, who’s also a power forward.
They would either trade for him or find a third team willing to take Harris in a multi-team trade, according to a league source.
At this time, the two sides have not gained any significant traction on a deal ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.
Vogel feels heat from Laker brass
Frank Vogel, his time with the Lakers at as perilous a point since he was hired as coach in 2019, reportedly has navigated through the latest drama surrounding his position. People with knowledge of the situation told the Los Angeles Times ”there are no current plans“to replace Vogel.
Still, the temperature has been rising.
According to people with knowledge of the situation, Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, and Kurt Rambis, the team’s senior basketball advisor, met with Vogel and assistant coach David Fizdale after last week’s loss to the Sacramento Kings to discuss ways to turn things around. It was the third time the group had met in recent days.
Before Monday’s victory over Utah, Rambis attended the Lakers’ coaches meeting at Crypto.com Arena for the first time this season, after previously only attending meetings virtually. Rambis advocated for the Lakers (22-22) to use larger lineups with Dwight Howard and Deandre Jordan, according to people with knowledge of the situation.