At times, we’ve got to think the unthinkable. Leave no stone unturned. This applies to the NBA trade market as well. They couldn’t do that – could they? Yes, they could.
The Philadelphia 76ers will have to explore every option when it comes to James Harden. He’s requested a trade. By all accounts, Harden wants to join the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers are not obliged to get him there. This front office needs to get the best return for Harden that they can. They should be on the phone with every team that needs a point guard.
The Brooklyn Nets could use a point guard. This team could really improve its fortunes by adding a primary playmaker. We know…they couldn’t, could they? Well, we think they could. Here’s a deal that sends James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, F Reggie Bullock, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G James Harden
We almost sent Simmons back to the Sixers, too. Ultimately, we couldn’t do it. Even we have our limits. The Sixers exhausted the possibilities of a Joel Embiid / Simmons pairing. There is no world where they want to go back to that.
Ironically enough, Simmons recently expressed an interest in returning to Philadelphia someday. Fair enough. That doesn’t mean that the interest will be mutual. The Sixers need to hang onto Embiid if they possibly can. Simmons will need to re-establish his value as an NBA player before they’d entertain bringing him back into the fold.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The situation in Brooklyn feels a little different. By all accounts, it seemed as if Kyrie Irving alienated Harden there. Irving is gone. Still, it’s possible that the Nets’ management wouldn’t be open to bringing Harden back. Should they be?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
There are mixed accounts of what James Harden is looking for. It’s been widely reported that he wants to join the Clippers. At the same time, it’s been suggested that he wants to be a top option again. Those interests would be at odds.
Let’s say Harden does have an interest in a more sizeable role in the offense. If so, a return to Brooklyn would be perfect. This roster is more suited for his ball-dominant brand of basketball than it was when he was last there. Harden would be the primary playmaker by a long shot.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
He’d have a perfect roster for his skills. Harden would be surrounded by elite spacing and defense. In fact, this roster would closely resemble some of the groups that the Houston Rockets put around Harden during his time there. This may seem crazy, but we think it’s crazy enough to work. Should it work for the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, the Sixers have their backs against the wall. This team is in a sticky situation. Harden has requested a trade, and his market value isn’t likely to be nearly as high as they’d like it to be.
On the other hand, the Sixers still have Joel Embiid. He’s the reigning MVP. They’ve got also Tyrese Maxey – he looks like he’s on track to be a solid second option. Tobias Harris is a capable third banana. The Sixers could lose Harden and still maintain their relevance.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
This deal would help them with that goal. The Sixers would have more depth than they’ve ever had before. Still, if this doesn’t work out, the Sixers should be happy to regain control of their own future first-round pick. At the same time, all of the players they’re acquiring here should find a role in their rotation. Should the Spurs send them out in order to acquire Simmons?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
The Spurs don’t do this deal for Simmons. They do it to receive an unprotected first-round pick. Aggregating three solid role players to acquire a first makes enough sense for them. None of these players would net them such an asset on their own, but given that the Spurs are absorbing a bad contract, they’re landing a first-rounder here.
Only – what if Simmons isn’t a negative contract? This is a player that’s only a couple of years removed from All-NBA status. Simmons may never regain that form, but it’s possible that he’s got strong NBA seasons ahead of him. If he does, Gregg Popovich could bring them out of him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In fact, some fans have been clamoring for a Simmons / Popovich pairing for a long time. However you feel about Simmons, there’s no denying his high basketball intelligence. That makes him a suitable player for a Popovich system. This deal may seem crazy. That doesn’t make it unthinkable.
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