Ben Simmons had a rocky relationship with the 76ers organization. 3:44
The Kings, one of the most aggressive teams in the trade market and once an eager suitor for Philadelphia's Ben Simmons, have ended their pursuit of a deal with the 76ers.
Sources said that the Kings believe the asking price is too steep and that there is no way to get a trade agreement with the 76ers.
The Kings, who have lost five straight and are 13th in the Western Conference, are determined to restructure their roster and remain active on other fronts, sources said.
Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, and Richaun Holmes are some of the players that are viable trade assets.
One of the best options for a Simmons deal was the Kings roster. The chances of an in-season trade are diminished by losing them in the marketplace.
With the Kings exiting talks and sources saying the Brooklyn Nets will not engage on a James Harden trade, it becomes more likely that 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will be willing to advance the Simmons discussions into the off-season.
Morey and the 76ers believe that the summer could bring higher-profile players into the trade market for Simmons. Along with free agency, the playoffs can give teams and star players reason to change, which could offer the 76ers a wide range of options.
The public and private thresholds for a Simmons deal have always been stated as a return that would keep them as NBA championship contender.
Simmons is signed through the 2024-25 season, and the 76ers believe that gives them leverage to wait on a deal. Simmons has sought a trade and declined to play, citing mental health reasons, as the center is leading the 76ers to a 29-19 start, two games behind first-place Miami.
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