The Philadelphia 76ers cemented their status as one of the true contenders in the NBA when they acquired James Harden in a blockbuster deal from the Brooklyn Nets. Daryl Morey was seeking an All-Star to pair with Joel Embiid and he found one in Harden, who he acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder when he was general manager of the Houston Rockets.
Adding Harden to the mix certainly improves the 76ers chances of appearing in their first finals since 2001 and winning their first championship since 1983. They certainly have a roster strong enough to compete right now, but there is a chance that they aren’t done making moves.
Philadelphia attempted to trade Tobias Harris ahead of the deadline to clear some future cap space. He was discussed in some Ben Simmons trade scenarios, but no team seemed willing to take on both big contracts at once.
The goal at the time of those negotiations, it seemed, was to clear cap space to sign James Harden. Now that they already have Harden in the fold, could the 76ers have their sights set on someone else?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Moves For Wizards To Build Around Beal-Porzingis Duo
During a recent episode of Rogues Bogues, a basketball podcast by Andrew Bogut, Mike Procopio was a guest. Procopio was a former video scout for Kobe Bryant and worked in the NBA for 10 years with the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
He revealed that there are big rumors involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Bradley Beal. Philadelphia wants to create a new Big 3 and Beal is the player they are targeting to accomplish that.
“I’ve heard a pretty big rumor … from some people that are pretty close to the situation in the NBA: Big three to Philly. Brad Beal is trying to get to Philadelphia in the offseason to team up with James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Philly’s desperate, obviously, to try to get off Harris, anyway. They have been for a while. And I think they’re even more desperate now to free up that cap space somehow. It will most likely have to be a sign-and-trade with Philly. But don’t be surprised if a big three forms in Philly. That’s the word on the street.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Moves For Wizards To Build Around Beal-Porzingis Duo
Beal has not indicated what he is planning this offseason. He has been in constant contact with ownership and the front office, which would give the impression that he is leaning toward staying with the Washington Wizards. However, if the opportunity to join a contender such as the Philadelphia 76ers arises, it is something he would have to think long and hard about.
It would certainly be pricy to get that trio together. Harris’s contract would certainly have to be unloaded. A sign-and-trade is possible, and in that scenario, the Wizards would likely demand Tyrese Maxey be involved to fill the void in the backcourt. Matisse Thybulle could also be asked for in negotiations, as both players were taken off the table in talks with the Nets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Moves For Wizards To Build Around Beal-Porzingis Duo
A Big 3 of Bradley Beal, James Harden, and Joel Embiid would be the best trio in the NBA, bar none. It would be a nightmare for opponents to slow that group down offensively and they would likely be favorites for the NBA Championship in 2023 unless another grouping emerged somewhere else in the NBA.
