While the core is eerily similar to the Chicago Bulls\u2019<\/a> at the start of the decade, with LaVine and DeRozan playing starring roles, the Kings are trying to remove themselves from decades of ineptitude with a new front office.<\/p>\n With Keon Ellis, Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, and Keegan Murray coming off the bench, Sacramento has a solid second unit, although they have been linked to several former top draft picks.<\/p>\n Ben Simmons<\/a> was picked first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and made three All-Star Games before injuries and \u201cthe yips\u201d derailed his career<\/a>. Russell Westbrook<\/a> was picked fourth overall in 2008 and is a surefire Hall-of-Famer who is simply past his prime.<\/p>\n In an effort to add defense, explosiveness, and a veteran leader, the Kings have been linked to both free agents.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard,\u201d reported insider Jake Fischer.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets in addition to Russell Westbrook.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Simmons and Westbrook are barely holding onto their NBA careers<\/a>. Westbrook found success last season with the Denver Nuggets, although recent stints with the LA Clippers and Lakers have tarnished his reputation.<\/p>\n Simmons, still reeling from his blunders in the 2022 Eastern Conference playoffs, is perhaps the least confident offensive player in the entire league, although he is still a plus defender.<\/p>\n \u201cGenerally speaking, the Kings are still a player in the veteran guard market,\u201d Fischer continued. \u201cAnd you can absolutely put Ben Simmons in that conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Simmons and Westbrook would be brought in as a second or third-string guard, and would have to grapple with the clear demotion and play for a small-market team with long-shot playoff odds. <\/p>\n While the Kings seemingly decide between those two players, another former top pick clinging to what\u2019s left of his NBA career could be on their radar. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kings could bring back Markelle Fultz on cheap deal<\/p>\n Markelle Fultz<\/a> was picked first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 draft and is considered one of the biggest busts of all time<\/a>. His jump shot, which was re-worked early in his career, never took off, and shoulder injuries have long since slowed him down.<\/p>\n After two seasons with the Sixers, he was traded to the Orlando Magic, where he struggled to stay healthy, although he was a solid backup guard when he could play. Midway through last season, he was picked up by the Kings on a one-year deal and didn\u2019t make much noise.<\/p>\n In 21 games in Sacramento, Fultz averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 assists.<\/p>\n![\"Denver](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2190332869-941x627.jpg\")
Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty ImagesKings linked to Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook<\/p>\n