The Philadelphia 76ers made a huge trade ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring James Harden and Paul Millsap from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks. It was a deal that brought an end to a standoff between Simmons and the 76ers, which had lasted since last summer.
Simmons requested a trade in July, but the 76ers bided their time until they found a deal that they liked. Daryl Morey was intent on acquiring an All-Star in return for Simmons.
While the process dragged out longer than anyone would have wanted, both sides are likely happy with how things ultimately ended up.
However, there is an alternate reality in which the 76ers do not acquire Harden. Instead, they would have acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal, Jerami Grant, Knicks, More
The Athletic recently shared the Philadelphia 76ers were in on Bradley Beal ahead of the deadline and had he been cleared to return from his wrist injury.
“The 76ers did their due diligence with the Wizards on Beal throughout the season, but many across the NBA say it was much more than that. Multiple sources said the 76ers worked during the season on a potential trade. Beal faced a decision on whether to force a trade out of Washington and Philadelphia had prominent interest at the deadline if he was cleared to play from his wrist injury. The 76ers’ package would have been centered around Simmons and draft picks, sources said.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal, Jerami Grant, Knicks, More
It has been reported recently that Beal is leaning toward remaining with the Wizards. He has a player option for the 2022-23 season which is expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent. A long-term max deal is something that Washington is reportedly willing to offer should Beal want to remain with the team.
But, the Philadelphia 76ers are certainly a team to watch this offseason when it comes to Bradley Beal. They like him as a player, otherwise, they wouldn’t have been pursuing him ahead of the deadline. There has also been some chatter that Morey is planning to make a run at Beal this summer to make a Big 3 with James Harden and Joel Embiid.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal, Jerami Grant, Knicks, More
Philadelphia would assuredly have to move Tobias Harris’ contract in that scenario, but that would be a no-brainer if it meant bringing in Beal.
Despite trading Simmons already, the 76ers still have some good assets they could build a trade package around such as Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, and rookie Jaden Springer.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal, Jerami Grant, Knicks, More
The remainder of this season and subsequent postseason will go a long way in determining what the Philadelphia 76ers do this offseason. If they fall short in their quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, you can expect Morey to get aggressive in pursuing a third star such as Bradley Beal if he feels it will help get the team over the top.
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