6:43pm: Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has responded to the reports on Simmons’ potential availability, issuing the following statement to Charania (Twitter link): “We are not trading Ben Simmons — he is an important part of our future.”
While Morey’s statement suggests there will be no traction anytime soon on a swap involving Harden and Simmons, that possibility can’t be entirely ruled out. With both ESPN and The Athletic reporting on the Sixers’ openness to discussing Simmons, there’s likely something to it, and Morey has made this sort of declaration before about a player he later traded.
5:51pm: The Sixers have “signaled a willingness” to include Ben Simmons in trade packages for James Harden, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne. Shams Charania of The Athletic is hearing the same thing, tweeting that the 76ers have made Simmons available in talks with the Rockets for Harden.
However, ESPN’s duo reports that those discussions have “come nowhere close” to a deal, and Charania conveys a similar sentiment, writing that conversations between the two teams “aren’t fluid” for the time being.
While the Rockets and 76ers haven’t gained any momentum toward an agreement, Houston is increasingly expanding trade talks beyond Harden’s preferred destinations, according to Wojnarowski and Shelburne. Sources tell ESPN that the Rockets are engaged in ongoing discussions on several fronts and have been keeping in touch with Harden about those scenarios.
A number of playoff-caliber teams in the East and West are feeling “less inhibited” about trading for Harden without any assurances that they’d be able to keep him beyond his opt-out date in 2022, according to Wojnarowski and Shelburne, who add that those teams appear increasingly comfortable discussing high-level trade assets.
For their part, the Rockets haven’t moved off their reported asking price of a young franchise cornerstone and draft picks, and are prepared to open the season with Harden on their roster, per Woj and Shelburne. However, ESPN’s duo says the Rockets are also signaling to teams that they’re willing to complete a trade sooner rather than later if the right deal arises.
A report last week indicated that the Sixers appear best positioned to acquire Harden if they’re willing to part with Simmons — that still seems to be the case, though Philadelphia and Houston would have to haggle over what else would be included in a hypothetical swap of the All-Star guards. One recent report suggested the Rockets would want three first-round picks in addition to Simmons, which seems unrealistic.
The Rockets’ interest in the Nets‘ assets is limited, sources tell ESPN, so a third team may be necessary to get the former MVP to Brooklyn.
Harden’s list of preferred destinations reportedly includes Milwaukee and Miami as well, though the Bucks aren’t believed to be interested in pursuing a deal, as Brian Windhorst of ESPN said today on his Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM). The Heat sound more open to exploring the possibility of adding Harden, and ESPN’s report suggests that other teams may be in the mix as well.
I’m sorry but u wouldn’t even trade Ben Simmons – straight up – for a Prima Donna player like Harden… Too much drama plus that beard, just gross!
The Sixers will have to give up a lot more than Simmons to get Harden.
Simmons plus picks it’s not hard to see.
Harden is the one demanding a trade. The Rockets are far more motivated to make a deal. It wouldn’t take much more than Simmons and a pick.
If the 76ers want Harden, they will have to use Simmons because they will have to outbid the other teams that are interested. When Giannis signed his extension with Milwaukee, it revved up the interest in Harden by not only the 76ers, but also the Heat who were waiting to see what happened with Giannis.
If the 76ers don’t include Simmons, they won’t be outbidding the other interested parties for Harden.
Correct Marlin. Howver the issue is how many (presumably low) firsts follow Simmons, if any.
Harden’s offensive quality comes with modest effort in defense and an offense built around him. This inflates his value vs Simmons, who is everywhere on defense and kind of a #2 priority on offense, which is not his fault— they also have Embiid.
I would rather have Simmons, and get shooting elsewhere.
Simmons is the best option, and Philly is not pressed.
So no firsts along with Ben or even interest.
If Simmons is offered for Harden any competent GM takes it and runs.
Harden is a supremely talented player, but he is not the guy to put the team on his back and carry them to a championship, if I were Philly I would be the team demanding draft picks in that trade scenario
Well, Houston has what Philly wants. So I find it extremely unlikely they’ll be demanding anything when they’re the one seeking the best player in the deal.
As much as I think Harden isn’t a winner,
A. He could do some damage in the East
B. Simmons isn’t moving the needle for Philly.
With the teams the 76ers have put around Simmons, they’d surely have made a trip to the finals by now if he were a real game changer.
Put it this way.. take Simmons off 6ers.. are they much worsr? or pretty much the same team with a shorter PG?
Morey is such a scammer, haha
I don’t want Harden in Philly. He’s way too ball-dominant.
Great player, bad teammate.
If they can get Simmons they gotta jump on that ASAP, not gonna do any better
Why would any team give up a solid young player and 3 first for a team cancer?
Bc harden is an mvp talent in his prime and with him you have a real shot at a championship….he was barely any drama until the coach wasn’t retained. He plays pretty much every game and competes whether people like him or not.
He has been drama for years with his lack of discipline. Any team trading for him is more interested in selling tickets than winning championships. I expect he will be a big problem for his next team.
Called it. All these arm chair gms saying sixers wouldn’t trade simmons dont understand hardens value. Mvp candidate in harden and simmons is barely an all star the trade is a no brainer for morey who loves harden.
I remember when Simmons got a max contract, and a lot of the same people were saying that he wasn’t worth that because he couldn’t shoot.
You called what? That Simmons name would be rumored by “sources” to be discussed in a deal? That’s like saying “called it” when the Bucks offered the freak the max.
OH yea SN33 –
Id like to see you call the next rumor about a rumor.
It’s Morey’s job as GM to look into things. It is way too early to claim the prediction “credit” Tatsu is claiming, since there’s no evidence anything will happen.
Precisely. If he didn’t listen to offers for his player, no other GM would ever pick up their phone in the future if they saw Morey is calling.
It’s the job of Brand and Morey to communicate with other teams.
Tats…you realize you’re an armchair GM too. Right?
Absolutely pathetic.
Do NOT do this Sixers…
They won’t! They ain’t trading Ben
Ben Simmons is available? This is my surprised face.
What’s next – a 3rd team like Golden State or Denver is willing to facilitate a Houston-Philly trade by taking Simmons and sending picks and exciting young talent to Houston??
BINGO!
knicks should go all in for harden. and hope another superstar joins them in the offseason. knicks suck plain and simple. harden can probably get them to the playoffs in the weak east… and he can do all his partying in nyc. knicks have nothing to lose… literally… keep obi toppin and trade everyone else. trade dsj or frank, trade barrett trade knox trade the mavs 1st rounders or knicks protected 1st rounders
DSJ, Frank, and Knox have zero value. They are terrible and they don’t have big contracts to help you match anything. They’re worthless. You would need Barrett, Robinson, and two picks at a minimum.
Knicks have to offer their own unprotected Future Firsts
The rest has little value
The ceiling of RJ and Mitch is average starters
Ben Simmons and John Wall????? How is that gonna work?
Simple. Everyone can finally stop pretending Ben Simmons is a PG and let him unleash his potential off the ball as a forward.
Boooooo
If I am Minnesota I am on the phone with Houston right now! Karl-Anthony Towns and DeAngelo Russell for Harden. T-Wolves will at least make the playoffs with Harden. If he leaves after 2 years at least you made the playoffs for 2 years and will have $50 million come off the cap. KAT and DeAngelo = No Playoffs for the next 5 years of their contracts. That is a win for Minnesota
Yikes!! Shams got called OUT by Daryl Morey. Shams is a great reporter but when a GM issues a public statement saying you’re wrong, that’s a big hit to someone’s credibility.
No, he didn’t. Morey gave a statement to Shams. He didn’t call him out or mention him at all.
I don’t trust Morey
He declared that they would not trade Chris Paul …..
Many others ….,,
Tobias Harris package for Harden is waste of time
I don’t trust
Third team would have to offer 70% of Harden value
Only real option.
Harden isn’t doing himself any favors coming in late to preseason. I would worry with all the partying that he’ll get the whole team exposed to Covid all year long. It’s one thing to be in a bubble but I get the feeling he’ll be trouble no matter where he lands, except maybe Utah/Golden State, if Gobert’s/Draymond’s still there. They would definitely let him know what’s up. Lol
If Philly is willing to part with Simmons to get Harden, then I think it happens quickly. Unlike Harden, Simmons would be an appealing asset to many teams, including rebuilding teams. Rockets won’t get another chance to leverage that kind of an asset. Teams don’t trade players like Simmons, at this stage of his career. Philly is in a unique situation with he and Embid, so it may happen. I’m still not sure I believe it, though.
To be fair, it’s likely that Morey wasn’t actually involved in the Chris Paul trade. The Rockets owner likes to meddle quite a bit.
I read that Heat offer Herro and Duncan Robinson package and salary
Both contracts are better than Tobias Harris
Robinson value 16 million a year
Salary 2 million
I heard that rumor, but I’m hoping that they don’t have to give both for Harden. I understand that we have to give some value because having to add Iguodala and Olynyk to match salary, but with the talk of draft picks too, I’m wondering if we may not overpay for a guy that Houston may have no choice in trading away.
Herro, Robinson, Olynick & Iguodala lacks the star power that Rocket fans will want, and Heat fans don’t want to break up their tram. Rockets should ask for Simmons straight up but they won’t.
I wouldn’t give up Ben straight up for Harden, and find it unlikely that we will. I can’t wait till Harden gets traded to another team just so these daily stories end.
You can’t completely discredit the Morey connection though. So while I don’t think it’s likely to happen, I also don’t think it’s impossible.
I support the idea if trading Simmons
because current 76ers won’t pass the 2nd round playoffs
Doc Rivers Clippers are better than current 76ers
Jordan > Harris
Griffin vs Embiid
Paul > Simmons
Rivers declare failure
Yawn ….. Unless they give him away. Sixers are idiots, and I wouldn’t trust Morey. Why would you bring in Harden. Sixers could use another shooter. Not a ball hogging cancer. How long are we going to trade Harden. This has gotten real boring. He’s never going to win unless he changes his game. Play D and share the ball. Who will he do that for. That’s where he will go. Otherwise why would you want him. I take Westbrook any day, every day.
Nonsensical rumors, as simple as!
Wojnarowski in my opinion ain’t very trustworthy, so the fact he claims this will go down, kind of reassures me there is no chance at all, which is good for PHI!
Don’t get me wrong Harden is a megastar right now, but Simmons is a big star too but much younger!
The season hasn’t even started yet and I’m already tired of all of the ridiculous proposed offers for Harden. Going to be glad when he’s finally dealt.
I still think the Rockets and Sixers best move is to do a deal involving Harris, Harden, and Gordon. Covering the salaries of Harden alone is a challenge, let alone he and Gordon. Can’t occur until in season. But Harris, Green, Bradley, Ferguson for Harden and Gordon.
Taking on Gordon should lessen the overall draft capital requirements. Sixers can either keep Gordon or find a 3rd team to take him. He has been an inefficient player for years. But his salary is valuable to the Sixers for salary matching purposes next offseason.
I’m not.giving up Simmons for Harden, honestly Harden looks like hell. If the Nets want to give up all their young players be my guest. Everyone knocks Harris but he probably scores 20-22 pts on that Rockets team with above average defense. He isn’t trash, a max contract is just an overpay, but everyone in the NBA is overpaid.
Really? If that is all that it takes to get Harden, than half of the league can get him. You do realise that packages received for lesser players like PG13 and Holiday where much bigger than your proposed trade??
Name a trade that also takes Gordon’s contract? I’m waiting… Waiting…
Hey phillyballers, check this out:
1)Rockets get Herro, Robinson, Two firsts and two swaps+ Olynyk and Iggy to make the salaries work
2)To trade two firsts they lift protections on the 2023 pick they owe OKC, for which OKC takes on Eric Gordon’s contract (+Nunn) and sends out expiring deals to Houston
3) Heat get Harden
Herro and Robinson and unprotected picks are waaaay better than Harris’s contract and they get rid of Gordon’s contract too.
What Burner said. Also, you made different terrible trade proposal on another post: Jrue, Brook Lopez, DJ, Dante, and picks for Harden and PJ Tucker. You seem to forget that the Rockets want a young stud they can build around. Jrue, Brook, DJ, Dante, Harris, Green, Bradley, and Ferguson are not young studs that you would build around. If the Sixers won’t give up Simmons, then a trade like the one Burner suggested would work just fine.
If you don’t give up Simmons for Harden then you’re not getting Harden. That means another team in your conference can get him. Imagine if Harden on the Nets or the Heat actually worked and the Sixers had to deal with with a team like that.
Nets don’t scare me. Pretty sure the only guy that’s returned to true form from an Achillies tear was Dominique Wilkins.
Kevin Durant is a better player than Dominique Wilkins so I guess Durant has a good shot at returning to form and therefore the Nets should scare you. Regardless, you do not want other teams in the East to get Harden so you better offer Ben Simmons.
Did you ever see Nique playin’?
Did you ever see Durant playin’? I know you have. Durant is better.
Havin’ Simmons & Embiid… I can’t see why PHI would care what lesser teams like MIA or BRK do have!
Harden would be a great addition to PHI, but not if you take out Simmons or Embiid, ain’t moving the needle for PHI, right?
Havin’ Simmons and Embiid and still failing to get past the semifinals for 3 years now, being swept by Boston who later lost to Miami, a duo in Brooklyn that could be very formidable if it works…..I can’t see why Philly wouldn’t be worried about the prospect of Harden going to Brooklyn or Miami! Replace Ben Simmons with Harden and you move the needle for Philly.
That or dribble hand off isn’t the right offer since scheme. They got rid of a pick and roll player in Butler. Doc isn’t going to try to fit circles in to square pegs.
If it’s a player who can score like Harden, Doc Rivers would absolutely try to fit circles into square pegs. One issue the 76ers had the past 3 seasons was the fact that in the playoffs, Embiid would get no help beyond the first round, despite having Ben Simmons and usually at least two guys who shot at least .400 from deep for the season. If they get James Harden and it works, guess what: problem solved and Embiid now has some help. Harden is the kind of explosive scoring machine the Sixers need and to get him, you gotta give up Ben Simmons. I already said you do not want test fate and see if Harden fits on the Nets or Heat because guess what: Philly wouldn’t be either to stop either team if they got Harden and it worked.
Teams still want this guy(harden)?? Is there any morals left in the NBA anymore??
Embiid is gonna be hella upset when he’s wide open and Harden does his fancy dribble, 4 back steps contested 3 pointer on the regular… Good luck with that!