The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets could apparently trade their superstars Ben Simmons and James Harden before the upcoming trade deadline. This is reported by Shams Charania (The Athletic).
This information goes against the latest estimates by various reporters that Simmons will probably not find a new team until next summer at the earliest. According to Charania, the 76ers will aggressively try to bring Harden to Philadelphia in the coming days leading up to the Feb. 10 deadline.
The Nets are said to be open to such a deal, however, don’t be in a hurry to make sure to complete a move before the deadline. Those responsible in Brooklyn apparently see the opportunity to make the team under head coach Steve Nash “rounder” with a swap than it is currently with the trio Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. According to Charania, the Sixers could also involve Seth Curry, Tyrese Maxey or Matisse Thybulle in the deal to make Brooklyn a little more palatable.
Nash downplayed the rumors ahead of the Utah game, in which the Nets suffered their seventh consecutive loss. “We’re on the same wavelength,” Nash said. “I don’t think he’s distracted and it affects him. He knows me. We’ll get through this and just keep going.”
In addition to the Nets, the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves are considered to be the most interested parties in Simmons after the Sacramento Kings apparently dropped out of negotiations for the 25-year-old last week. According to Charania, the Wolves are not willing to pay the Sixers’ asking price for high draft picks, for a deal both sides would have to get creative and include a third and maybe fourth team to work out the details. Atlanta is also said to have had intensive talks with Philadelphia, discussing a package involving John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic and draft picks.
According to consistent media reports, Simmons has repeatedly indicated to the 76ers that in all likelihood he will not stray from his position of no longer playing for the team. Harden’s contract in Brooklyn expires next summer.
