Just yesterday, we learned from The Athletic that the Sacramento Kings were pondering a Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris trade package. There was hope that Daryl Morey was in fact, a God that would save 76ers basketball this season and give his son Jesus Joel Embiid some much needed support heading into the second half of the 2021-22 NBA season.

Of course, on a cold Wednesday in the middle of January, we may have gotten our hopes up a little too much. The Sacramento Bee reported this morning that the Kings have stepped up their pursuit of Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis and are even including De’Aaron Fox in those discussions.

Kings Rollercoaster Connection with the 76ers

The 76ers had talks with Sacramento last summer regarding De’Aaron Fox, but the Kings weren’t willing to move Fox or include him in any type of deal for Simmons. Back in December, it seemed clear that the Kings remained firm on what they were willing to offer for Ben Simmons, something that Daryl Morey was not interested in.

Earlier this month, that changed, as the Kings Sacramento Kings had softened their stance on player availability in trade talks. The 18-28 Kings are clearly considering all options and I’m sure would love to snap the streak of 15 consecutive losing seasons.

The Sacramento Bee also states that with Fox, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III, Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes have been the subject of trade speculation, even dating back to last season. The key here is last season and still, they haven’t managed to move one player.

A Third Team

Is it possible that the Pacers could be the coveted third team in a Ben Simmons trade? I would think so. It has been reported constantly that in order to move Simmons, there would likely need to be a third team in discussions. Sabonis is 25 years old and in the second year of a four year contract, making $74.9 million. Next season, he will make $18.5 million and then $19.4 million in 2023-2024.

For a team who lacks rebounding and playmaking, the Kings landing Sabonis and Simmons would surely be a game changer. At the end of the day, it all comes down to Daryl Morey, so I’m not even going to go into detail right now with NBA Trade Machines and finding a way to to make a three team trade work between the 76ers, Kings, and Pacers. Morey has constantly stood his ground and has essentially shot down every single trade offer for Simmons that has crossed his desk.

Okay fine, here’s one for you. Discuss among yourselves.

Yep, the Kings are trading for four power forwards because they’re a poverty franchise. I’m aware it doesn’t make sense but just to get the conversation started, ya know?

As for Simmons, we still haven’t heard from him directly since the Game 7 post game. All we get is reports that he’s open to sitting out this season but is also ready to play for any team that is not named the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ben Simmons Fines and a Deleted Instagram

On top of that, Shams reported last week that Ben Simmons was no longer getting fined. Then, ESPN reported that Ben Simmons is in fact still getting fined. Everything is extremely confusing. Lets go with that Ben Simmons is still getting fined. That means since October 4, 2021 he has racked up roughly $13.2 million in total fines from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Also, which I’m sure people missed, Ben Simmons completely deactivated his Instagram account as of this morning. Bizarre move but honestly expected. There’s nothing nice to comment or reply to from a Ben Simmons social media account these days. Probably for the best.

Prized Possessions this Offseason

Another day down with more confusing reports and actions from everyone involved in the Ben Simmons, 76ers Soap Opera. At this point, a deal would be nice to put this all behind us but hell, if we have to wait until the offseason and look to land James Harden and Bradley Beal in a sign-and-trade, then passing on any player the Pacers or Kings have to offer might be what needs to be done until then.