Ben Simmons was “made available” in trade talks as the Philadelphia 76ers hit a high-stakes deal for former MVP James Harden, top NBA insiders said.
But the Sixers boss has none of it.
Rocket star Harden has been pushing for an exit, and the Sixers and Brooklyn Nets have been reported as the most likely targets.
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However, Philadelphia had the most attractive option for Houston, who have claimed they would only consider Harden if they received serious value in return.
It has long been suggested that this would likely include Simmons and now The athlete Shams Charania reports that this is on the table and more.
“The Philadelphia 76ers made Ben Simmons available to James Harden in a number of packages with the Houston Rockets, according to sources @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Conversations are currently not flowing, ”he tweeted.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that “while the Sixers have signaled a willingness to include All-Star Security Guard Ben Simmons in Harden’s trading packages, these talks are nowhere near final.”
He added that “several playoff teams at the East and West conferences” are warming up the idea of acquiring Harden in exchange for high-level trading assets.
76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, however, closed the report and told the story The athlete: “We don’t trade with Ben Simmons – he is an important part of our future.”
Harden has spoken publicly about his desire to go for a ring and playoff teams would obviously make the most sense as potential targets with Philadelphia right now.
While it’s not exactly surprising that Philadelphia is willing to go after Harden, her willingness to give up on Simmons has been questioned.
Of course, in the ideal scenario, they wouldn’t have had to, but that was never realistic.
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But the Sixers were incredibly vocal during the off-season showing how much confidence they have in Simmons and Joel Embiid when it comes to being the focus of the future franchise.
Daryl Morey made an effort with Seth Curry and Danny Green to place key shooting pieces around them to give the duo more space on the floor.
Though Morey also has a strong connection with Harden and said in June this year that he let the Rockets down by not helping him win a title.
He has plenty of time for Harden, even if it means abandoning a well-known superstar like Simmons.
Simmons Harden trading was previously a win-win situation for both franchise companies.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is a huge Simmons fan, but sees a deal with Harden as a serious boost to Philadelphia’s opportunity to challenge the Eastern Conference heavyweights.
“Let me remind you that four years ago, James Harden averaged 29 instead of 30,” he said last week on the first recording.
“He led the league in assists and I think we have to show him respect when there is respect and given the kind of offensive juggernaut that he has this idea that he has two years left, I am different opinion.
“I think James Harden could easily average 25 in the next four to five years. James Harden is way more explosive than Ben Simmons offensively, and that’s exactly what the Sixers in the Eastern Conference need if they want to compete with Brooklyn and Milwaukee. “
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Meanwhile, ESPN’s David Jacoby added that a future star like Simmons is perfect for Houston.
“We have a new coach, we have a new GM, we have a new point guard, we actually have some people who can play center. We’re changing everything, let’s get out with the old and in with the new, ”he said of ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby.
“When you’re trading with James Harden, who scores higher than anyone in the league and is an MVP candidate, you want something in return. But you don’t want to trade it in for a few pieces that Brooklyn will be offering. You want to trade him in for a young superstar. This seems like the only young superstar that could work. “
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