Recently, it sounded as if we could get a resolution in the saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. The two sides met earlier in January and no progress was made, as both sides held steady in what they were looking for. However, it was reported that the feeling around the league was that a deal would get done involving Simmons before the deadline.
It is certainly not for a lack of interest that a deal has not been completed yet. There are numerous teams that would like to add Simmons to their roster, including but not limited to the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The real hold-up is what the 76ers are hoping to get in return for Simmons. They have a list of the players they want and have made it clear they are not making a deal until someone meets their asking price. Daryl Morey wants an impact player in return and will not accept anything less than that.
One of the players that the 76ers are reportedly targeting is James Harden. Harden will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after not agreeing to an extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Eyeing James Harden Sign & Trade Using Ben Simmons?
It is not surprising that Morey wants Harden, as he was the general manager with the Rockets when they acquired him from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He tried once again to land Harden after Houston made him available, but was beaten out by the Nets.
While Morey was unsuccessful in his quest to land James Harden via trade from the Houston Rockets, the feeling around the league is that he will land his guy this offseason. The recent update comes courtesy of Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“The reigning thought process throughout the league is Harden will be a Sixer next season,” a source said.
That is certainly some big news. It would be a crippling blow to the Brooklyn Nets as Kevin Durant is the only player in their Big 3 signed beyond this season. Kyrie Irving could also become a free agent as he has a player option for the 2022-23 season many expect him to decline to try and land another long-term deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Eyeing James Harden Sign & Trade Using Ben Simmons?
According to sources, Morey’s plan is holding out hope that he can land Harden in a sign-and-trade deal centered around Simmons. For the Brooklyn Nets, getting back Simmons is better than seeing Harden leave in free agency without any compensation.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, they would likely vault to the top of the Eastern Conference as favorites with James Harden paired with Joel Embiid. That would give Philadelphia two of the most dominant offensive players currently in the NBA in one lineup, which would make them one of the toughest teams in the NBA to keep up with.
