NBA Trade Rumors: 3 trade packages Sacramento Kings could offer to Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons

Recent NBA trade rumors suggest that the Sacramento Kings are among several teams interested in acquiring Ben Simmons this summer.

Simmons' future with the 76ers has been in doubt since the team's unceremonious exit from the 2021 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the Kings will fancy their chances to land the talented point guard before the 2021/22 season commences.

Three ways the Sacramento Kings can land Ben Simmons in the 2021 NBA off-season

The Sacramento Kings had the worst defense in the 2020/21 season, finishing dead last in the league in terms of defensive rating. There are very few players in the NBA who can have an immediate impact in a defense as weak as the Kings', but Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons is certainly one of them.

On that note, here are three packages that could potentially help the Sacramento Kings acquire their trade target Ben Simmons:

#3 Buddy Hield + Marvin Bagley III + 9th pick in 2021 NBA draft

Buddy Hield is one of the best spot-up shooters in the league, having converted 40.6% of his attempts from downtown in his career.

The Philadelphia 76ers, despite having Seth Curry, Danny Green and Tobias Harris, finished 23rd in three-point field goals made this season. So Hield is a player who could come in and address that problem.

Sources: The Philadelphia 76ers have opened up trade conversations surrounding three-time All-Star Ben Simmons and have engaged with teams. Full details and more on Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/sdjV49uw3h
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2021

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A package involving sharpshooter Hield and young big Marvin Bagley III, along with the #9 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, should get the job done for the Sacramento Kings.

The 76ers could use the pick to either draft a young talent or further trade to improve the team right away. Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley could be used as an understudy to Joel Embiid or be involved as a trade chip.

The 76ers are open to trading Ben Simmons and would like “an All-Star-caliber player in return,” per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/z5jjNMdKwm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 13, 2021

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Recent NBA trade rumors suggest that the Sacramento Kings don't view Bagley as part of the team's future. So moving him to make way for Simmons will be considered a major coup for their front office.

Also Read: Why winning the 2021 NBA Finals could secure Giannis Antetokounmpo's status as the best player in the world.

#2 Direct swap involving De'Aaron Fox

The Sacramento Kings view De'Aaron Fox as their franchise point guard, and usually, a franchise refrains from involving a player of that quality in trade talks. However, with Ben Simmons available this summer, the Kings might have to entertain the possibility of sending De'Aaron Fox the other way.

Fox is an athletic point guard with a well-rounded skill-set. He would be a nice addition to the Philadelphia 76ers. Fox has the right blend of scoring and playmaking prowess and can hold his own at the defensive end.

If the Sacramento Kings do indeed decide to part ways with Fox, they will be in a better position to build an ideal team around Simmons. Sending Fox away means they would be able to keep hold of Buddy Hield, whose game complements Simmons' perfectly.

#1 Tyrese Haliburton + Harrison Barnes + #9 pick in 2021 NBA draft

One more lucrative package the Sacramento Kings could present the Philadelphia 76ers is that of sophomore guard Tyrese Haliburton, veteran forward Harrison Barnes and the #9 pick.

Harrison Barnes is coming off a brilliant year, having averaged 16 points and six rebounds on 39% shooting from the deep. Barnes could be a solid starter on a contending team, a role he is familiar with from his days with the Golden State Warriors.

Haliburton, too, had a strong campaign in just his debut season in the NBA. The young point guard was also a nominee for the NBA Rookie of the Year honors, but eventually lost out to LaMelo Ball. The Sacramento Kings hold Haliburton in high regard, but losing him will be a cost they might have to bear if they want to sign Ben Simmons.

The Sacramento Kings were nowhere near realizing their goal of making the playoffs this season, so Ben Simmons' addition could help them achieve that target. Simmons himself might be looking for a fresh start after a few tense years with the Philadelphia 76ers, so a successful marriage could be on the cards.