Although a report on Friday stated that the Sixers intend to pursue James Harden prior to this week’s trade deadline and that the Nets are open to talking, it doesn’t sound as if any discussions have occurred between the two teams since then.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reached out to Sean Marks of the Nets about a month ago to ask about Harden and was flatly turned down. That exchange it still the only direct communication between Morey and Marks this season, per ESPN’s duo.
Both Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report have also heard the two teams haven’t talked at all lately, with Pompey citing a source who referred to the conversation a month ago as “non-productive.”
Fischer suggests the Nets have no plans to discuss any Harden trade scenarios before Thursday’s trade deadline and Pompey hears from one source that Simmons won’t be traded until at least the draft. However, Wojnarowski and Shelburne aren’t yet closing the door on the possibility that the two teams will take this week, and neither is Pompey, who says Brooklyn and Philadelphia are going through third parties and back-channels to get information.
“It’s the most bizarre thing,” a source told Pompey. “It’s almost as if they are playing a game of cat and mouse … because of all the tampering [implications].”
Despite his assertion that the Nets have no plans to discuss Harden this week, Fischer does say there are people within the organization who have openly mentioned their interest in a swap involving Harden and Ben Simmons. Meanwhile, two people who have “significant history” with Harden believed he’s interested in the possibility of joining the Sixers, sources tell Wojnarowski and Shelburne.
Still, ESPN’s report suggests the two teams have a difference of opinions on which side has more leverage. According to Woj and Shelburne, the Sixers believe they shouldn’t have to add many assets to make a Simmons/Harden swap because the Nets risk losing their star guard for nothing in the offseason. But Brooklyn, recognizing all the talent and assets the capped-out Sixers may have to sacrifice to sign Harden outright this summer, would push for a significant package.
“Why would Brooklyn accept anything less now than the assets it would cost Philly to unload contracts and create the space this summer?” one GM said to ESPN.
Here are some more updates from ESPN, Bleacher Report, and The Philadelphia Inquirer on the Simmons/Harden situation:
- The Nets would want additional pieces besides Simmons in any deal for Harden, but Pompey says the Sixers aren’t willing to include Tyrese Maxey in any trade and view Matisse Thybulle as “close to untouchable.” When the two teams had a brief discussion last month, Philadelphia asked if Brooklyn was interested in Paul Reed and Isaiah Joe, says Pompey. According to Fischer, Reed and Joe are the two players most frequently mentioned by rival executives as possible 76ers trade candidates.
- Harden doesn’t currently have an agent, but he and manager Lorenzo McCloud are looking to hire representation, at least temporarily, with his free agency looming, according to Wojnarowski and Shelburne.
- Without an agent to talk to, the Nets have to rely on direct communication with Harden, which may be one reason why the team has had a hard time getting a read on his intentions. ESPN’s duo describes the partnership between the Nets and Harden as “murky,” noting that the former MVP has said he’s committed to the team, but his actions – including “private grousing” about Nets coaches, teammates, and the organization – have hinted otherwise. Pompey hears from sources that some people in the organization are “privately questioning (Harden’s) commitment to remaining in Brooklyn, and becoming frustrated with the uncertainty.”
- Although Kevin Durant wants Harden to stay in Brooklyn, he wants a committed Harden, according to Wojnarowski and Shelburne, who say Durant isn’t telling Nets ownership or management what they should do at the deadline. A source tells Pompey that key Brooklyn players wouldn’t be hugely disappointed if Harden is ultimately moved, due to uncertainty about his true feelings.
- Sources tell Fischer that some people around Simmons want him to return to the court for the Sixers if he’s not dealt at the deadline. However, multiple people associated with Simmons’ representation insist that’s not going to happen, Fischer writes.
- In trade discussions with the Hawks and Kings, the Sixers broached the idea of attaching Tobias Harris to Simmons, but they haven’t engaged in many talks about Harris beyond that, Fischer says. Multiple league sources who have spoken to Bleacher Report have speculated that the Thunder could be a willing trade partner if Philadelphia is motivated to get off of Harris’ contract.
Yea cus why would the Sixers downgrade Harden or Kyrie for Simmons… Moreys outta his mind if he thinks he can pry either of them away from the nets. Moreys done a decent job there but cus him and Harden are “buddies” he thinks he could get him to leave a good situation for a worse situation
Exactly what makes the Nets situation that much better than the 6ers?
The only real problem in Philly is Simmons.And even without him they remain in the mix at the top of the East.And alot of their losses came in games they were missing 4 of their starting 5,nights they had Korkmaz out there playing 30+ minutes.Both teams struggle when they lose their top player.And for all the injury prone talk about Embiid,Durant has missed more time the last 2 years.Brooklyn has a pg that can’t even be in the lineup for home games.That should work out real well for them in a 7 game playoff series.
does this shock anyone?
It is clear based on the multiple smokescreens tossed up by both sides in the BKN-PHI soap opera that you can trust zero reporting until the deadline passes Thursday. Every sports reporter, blogger and social media influencer is getting worked by sources behind the scenes to manipulate the market, so expect to see multiple reports countered, and those counter-reports countered, until we don’t know up from down.
At this point, the best thing one can do is to use common sense. And common sense likely dictates that Harden isn’t going anywhere.
Sure, he’s not a great fit with the other two but I’m sure the Nets want to give a healthy big 3 at least one shot in the postseason. Assuming they can ever get healthy (or vaccinated), that is.
Of course, I also understand the logic of trading for Simmons plus assets since Harden could conceivably walk in the off-season. But I don’t see it ultimately happening. We’ll see.
That’s bc its Simmons to the Kings, Fox and picks to the Wizards, and Beal to the Sixers.
Despite Simmons’ deficiencies, which I have been vocal about. The Nets would be crazy to not want to make a deal. I would trade Harden for Simmons in a heartbeat, although sweatin Morey for as much as you can is smart. I would love to see him with Kyrie and KD and then you have youth for tomorrow.
Morey is always asking for too much because he’s afraid Simmons will be motivated to make the franchise look silly for team members blaming their playoff failure on him. Dude is a stud and just needs the guidance that Philly never gave him. I predict he will be better wherever he goes.
That trade is a huge win for Philly. Why would the Nets make Philly that much better and make themselves a worst team for 2022?
The Nets gave up Allan, Levert, 3 FRP and 4FRP swaps for Harden, I think they would need a similar haul to trade him anywhere.
Other teams would offer better value than Simmons for Harden.
You think they can land a better player than Simmons? What non-win now team will offer anything significant for him?
Nets wouldn’t be crazy imo Simmons is a horrible fit Next to KD and Kyrie why trade Harden if he doesn’t want out and the big three work out great. Would Simmons be in game shape will he be mentally ready to play if he is traded? What if the fans boo, The team criticism him for his bad play and the fans criticize him for not shooting well will he quit on his team? and act like a crybaby it’s huge risk trading for Ben.
Is he a bad fit? Simmons will not be asked to be the second or third scoring option and he will not be needed to create his own shot late in games.
His flaws will be less magnified there. Kyrie and Durant will command the ball in the half court late in games. His defense is going to relieve a lot of pressure off Those two guys.
Prob a better fit in Brooklyn than Philly.
I don’t like the fit in Brooklyn Simmons needs shooters around him Philly has a lot better shooters than Brooklyn. Brooklyn shooting was really good last season until they got rid of Tyler Johnson, Landry Shamet and Jeff Green there perimeter defense has an improved but there shooting is bad.
Shooters? He will have Kyrie and Durant.
Philly’s biggest need has always been having a shot creator. Butler filled that rope. He could create for himself.
Philly always had shooters and Embiid. They needed someone else along with Simmons to create in the 4th quarter. Simmons is great in the first three quarters then fades in the 4th. They never had that other person to step in.
It’s a shame he didn’t play this year. I think Maxie and him would be a great combo. Maxie brings that ability to create that Simmons lacked. Fultz was suppose to be that guy.
My one complaint for the front office has always been bringing in a creator. It’s a shame Butler left because he would have excelled at that role.
Beside KD and Kyrie he needs role players that can shoot good.
NDA… National Diva ASSociation
Don’t quit your day job…I’d expect better wordplay from someone named Emerson
Only diva babies like Ben Simmons quit their day job
All this talk about team mates feelings makes me itchy. Play the game, with the team mates you have when you have them, and ignore the drama. Seems that Nash is really not doing his job in keeping players focused on winning games, and their record shows it. This is also what LeBron and his insistence on players ‘teaming up’ instead of just being good teammates has wrought. The grass always seems greener when players believe they can force a trade so they can play with their buddies. Since at leadt the Big 3 here feel they do not need a coach, I guess it is a bit much to ask Nash to focus players who have no respect for the coach role, although it is also hard when you have zero coaching experience.
What a mess, Brooklyn has done it again.
#fake-trade
Morey thinks he can finesse a team but GM aren’t dumb. The Nets have all the leverage in the Harden situation.
BKN was never trading Harden this year. So, Sixers can make their whole roster untouchable for all BKN cares.
Over the summer, perhaps, if Harden wants to leave via S&T, but not this year. The yield BKN gets in a Harden trade is less important to them than getting at least one real run with this group before breaking it up (even if one of the big 3 is a part time player, it’s better than last year).
Let me summarize
Harden would like to play with Embiid.
Sixers have interest. Nets will listen.
Sixers and Nets spoke directly about a month ago. The two clubs have not spoken directly with each other since. Since one month ago new Harden “rumors” surfaced he wants out and Nets will now listen.
Teams are probably speaking to a third party to facilitate a trade. Why? Who cares if there is discussion.
This third party is likely an agent or two who are handling these talks. Remember, Harden is not legally represented by an agent. His contract negotiations were handled by himself. He has previously used agents to help facilitate his last trade. Same thing is going on now.
Sixers should push to get this done this season. Nets ownership would like to have this happen to avoid luxury cap implications. Nets keep Durant, aquire Simmons and eventually use the Kyrie money for another superstar.
When Harden was in Houston there owner asked Harden what team he preferred to go to Brooklyn or Philly he said Brooklyn. Also where did you get that Harden wants to play with Joel? I just don’t see Harden leaving now after he forced his way to Brooklyn. We keeping seeing reports saying Nets haven’t took a call on a Harden trade. They probably haven’t took a call at all If they are taking calls (probably not) then why aren’t were hearing other teams interested in Harden besides Philly. Also the Nets would still be in the luxury tax but they do save some money getting Simmons. But I don’t see Harden get moved at the deadline especially since the team keeps denying it.
Kendrick Perkins says James Harden was supposed to sign contract with the Nets in October but did not. @KendrickPerkins says James Harden’s camp is telling people in Philly he wants to play with Joel Embiid next season
Brooklyn was his #1 destination last year. Playing alongside Durant and Kyrie is very appealing.
At that same time Philly was not willing to move on from Simmons. Things changed quickly after the playoffs.
Of course the team will deny it. The players and fans would be in an uproar and it would be a huge distraction. The smart PR move is to publicly deny it.
Yeah fair enough you made some good points but also Kendrick Perkins isn’t a source lol. Shams keep saying are taking calls woj said they aren’t idk who to believe anymore. Probably Woj because Shams is good friends with his agent Rich Paul and he could be given Shams all this information to get his client out of Philly.
Philly called them a month ago. Things have changed with Harden over the last two weeks after that initial call.
Harden’s camp is working to facilitate a deal between both teams. Acting to feel out both sides to reach a compromise.
Harden wants to play in Philly or it must be for a contender. Im not sure the Lakers have the pieces to acquire. Brooklyn is not taking back Westbrook.
Matching up salaries is the tough part. Getting a young all-star player like Simmons may be the best they can get for him.
All sides want to walk away as a winner.
There’s expectation that both the 76ers and Nets will engage in dialogue on a deal around Ben Simmons for James Harden, multiple sources tell @ShamsCharania.
Shams is the mouthpiece for Klutch.
You can all stop showing Simmons in sixers gear. A more appropriate photo will it be a picture of him playing Xbox.
Playing an Xbox naked? The dude still needs clothes lol
#FreeBenSimmons