A report on Russell Westbrook has implications on Ben Simmons market.
Ben Simmons’ NBA Future Receives Update After Russell Westbrook Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Even though he's no longer an All-Star like he was when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons has a market, as ESPN's Brian Windhorst confirmed via Threads on July 23 that "Kings, Suns, Knicks and, yes, Celtics have all been connected to him" and that he’s "probably going to make a choice in the next week."
Jake Fischer also confirmed the Sacramento Kings' interest in Simmons while also reporting on Bleacher Report's Live Stream that Simmons' free agency was what was holding up Russell Westbrook's free agency on July 24.
"I think Westbrook is another player who's being held up by Ben Simmons," Fischer said. "You know, he's had interest from Sacramento [Kings]. He had interest from New York [Knicks] at one point in time, but I do think that Simmons is younger and theoretically has more upside left on the table. Russ is a big personality. I think he is in the holding pattern just like Malcolm Brogdon behind Ben Simmons here."
There's been a recent update on where the Kings stand with Westbrook that could impact Simmons' decision. Sacramento Radio personality Carmichael Dave confirmed that Westbrook to the Kings is very likely to happen.
"It’s not done, but it’s been cooking for a while. And there is strong interest from both sides," he wrote via his X account. "I’d say 80-20 he’s a King."
And they should be.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) July 27, 2025
It’s not done, but it’s been cooking for a while. And there is strong interest from both sides.
I’d say 80-20 he’s a King https://t.co/1MlotQLdhX
While Carmichael Dave didn't confirm it, signing Westbrook, a point guard, would likely take the Kings out of the Simmons sweepstakes, as he plays the same position.
Related: New Update in Sacramento Kings' Pursuit of Ben Simmons Amid Free Agency
Related: NBA Play-In Team Emerges as Favorite to Land Russell Westbrook
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
