The Philadelphia 76ers remain the favorite to execute a trade with the Houston Rockets centered around former NBA MVP James Harden. Will the Sixers be willing to part with the necessary assets to get a deal done before a team like the Brooklyn Nets get something done?

According to The New York Times’ Marc Stein, the Rockets are pursuing a trade package from the 76ers that consists of Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey as the headliners.

“The Rockets are pursuing a trade package from the 76ers that would be headlined by Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey, league sources say.”

So far, it seems as though the 76ers have been reluctant to include Simmons any trades since the potential he has is quite intriguing. Splitting the pairing up with Joel Embiid is not an easy choice, especially for a President of Basketball Operations like Daryl Morey who just took over.

The 76ers are thriving to start this season and it wouldn’t be easy to make a major change as a result. Especially when the move would be to acquire a player who is causing locker room issues with his respective team— as in the case of James Harden with the Houston Rockets.

If the 76ers are focused on using a long-term perspective as opposed to being satisfied with their strong start, executing a trade for James Harden would be justified. Morey is more familiar with the former NBA MVP than anybody and if he’s comfortable making such a move, it’s certainly more justifiable.

The main competitor the Philadelphia 76ers face in their pursuit for James Harden appears to be the Brooklyn Nets. Right now, the Sixers have greater potential to field an enticing offer, but it’s a matter of their willingness to put certain names on the table like Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey.