Kings interested in Ben Simmons, other veteran PGs

The Sacramento Kings were linked to Ben Simmons for years during the former top pick’s final seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, and now the two are being mentioned in the same breath once again.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Sacramento is one of two teams to be linked to the three-time All-Star, along with the New York Knicks.

While Simmons has emerged as a free agent target for new general manager Scott Perry, the Kings continue to show interest in other free agent guards–both of whom they have been linked to since the start of free agency.

“We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard, and Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets,” Fischer said during a live broadcast on Bleacher Report. “In addition to Russell Westbrook and Malcolm Brogdon. I think [Simmons would] make an interesting addition there.”

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Sacramento’s interest in Ben Simmons echoes a soundbite from Kings play-by-play broadcaster Mark Jones, who told Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross that he had also heard about the Beam Team’s interest in the 6’10 guard.

“Some of the chatter I’ve heard out there a little bit, and I’m wondering what price he might come at–Ben Simmons is still out there,” Jones said. “He’d be great in the type of style that the Kings might want to run this year.”

Simmons is an intriguing target for Sacramento, as it remains clear that Perry’s priority for the rest of this offseason is to further bolster the Kings’ point guard depth.

During the opening hours of free agency, Sacramento reached a multi-year agreement with veteran guard Dennis Schroder, which ultimately became a three-year, $48 million pact.

Outside of Schroder, who will start at the point guard position, the Kings are bare bones when it comes to the floor general role. Devin Carter has shown the potential to be a two-guard. Malik Monk looked shaky as the team’s starting point guard last season, but has thrived in a backup role during his time in the 916.

Sacramento is nearly tapped from a cap space standpoint, but could get creative in adding Simmons, Westbrook, or Brogdon into the fold.

Simmons would provide the Kings with another big who can set the table on offense, set screens, and rebound–similar to what Domantas Sabonis delivers out of the center spot.

Simmons isn’t a gifted scorer, but that isn’t what Sacramento needs. This roster needs defenders–Simmons is a two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team–and players who can provide a physical presence. The fact that Simmons can defend all five positions on the floor make him an enticing option for the Beam Team.

Sure, the injury bug is a concern for Simmons, but depending on the contract, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move for Perry and the Kings front office.

Kings interested in Ben Simmons, other veteran PGs

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