NBA Trades: 1 trade target for every Pacific Division team

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Danny Green #14 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 09, 2021 in Sacramento, California, NBA Trades. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year, as the trade deadline grows closer and NBA trades start to flood in. After covering the Eastern Conference, it is time to head out West and break down targets for each division out there, starting with the Pacific. With that said, let’s discuss a player that should be of interest to each team in the Pacific Division before February 10.

NBA Trades Pacific Division: Sacramento Kings – Ben Simmons

The Sacramento Kings are among the teams under the most surveillance leading up to the trade deadline. They have been mentioned in countless rumors throughout the entire season, and with recent reports suggesting that several key players on their roster could be available in NBA trades, the Kings may get busy within the next month.

One trade target that they reportedly have their sights set on is Ben Simmons, the disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star. In fact, The Athletic’s Sam Amick (subscription required) reported that Simmons is “front and center” on their wishlist.

Since it was reported that Simmons requested a trade from Philadelphia this past offseason, the Kings have been listed as an interested suitor. They are indeed an interesting trade partner, given the sheer talent they have on their roster that could be enticing when piecing together a package.

Given’s Philadelphia’s rumored demands of a high asking price, Sacramento may have the best assets in the NBA aside from teams that can outright offer a superstar like the Blazers or Wizards.

Simmons would be a significant addition to the Kings, given the defensive excellence he brings to the table along with his versatility offensively. Trading for him could help the franchise find some direction as they aim to end the longest playoff drought in the league.

Considering Simmons is in the second season of a five-year max contract extension, the Kings would have him locked up for the foreseeable future as well. Aside from another rumored suitor in the Hawks, the Kings appear to be the likeliest team to land Simmons before the deadline.