The Sixers created an $8.6MM trade exception in their agreed-upon deal that will send Al Horford to the Thunder, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports.
That’s significant, as Hollinger points out, because the front office will not have a full mid-level exception to offer in free agency since the club is in luxury tax territory. The exception can be used in a sign-and-trade this offseason or – more likely – a direct trade for a player under contract.
New president of basketball operations Daryl Morey promises he’ll make some roster moves via the free agent route, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. “They’re going to be some additions there,” Morey said of free agency, while adding “we feel very good where we’re at.”
Morey declared that he’s not interested in trading either of his top players, according to the Associated Press’ Dan Gelston. He said Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid “are going to be here for a long time.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Celtics were advised that they shouldn’t pursue a James Harden deal with the Rockets, longtime Celtics beat reporter Steve Bulpett tweets. The front office researched the possibility of adding Harden and were urged to stay away, as the intel regarding the fallout in the Houston organization painted an ugly picture. Presumably, Harden was a part of that dysfunction.
- The Celtics had three first-round picks to dangle on Wednesday but didn’t move up. It wasn’t for lack of trying, another longtime Celtics beat reporter Mark Murphy tweets. GM Danny Ainge said they explored the possibility but there was “not anything that was really tempting for us in the first part of the draft.” Boston held onto the first two picks and traded the other to the Grizzlies for two future second-rounders.
Would love to see Jae Crowder go to Philly
Trade for Harden requirements
Step 1
Proven young star
Step 2
Massive package of first round picks
Not just massive, but record setting like the Herschel Walker trade.
Tool. Houston has won nothing
The article says that Harden is the part of Rockets Dysfunction?
Yeah, that’s what it said. I can see that being the case. No one lasts long with him. CP3 wanted out after a year. Westbrook, same thing.
It more and more looks like cheap owner is part of the dysfunction. Harden might or might not be guilty but if you let both trainer & GM go in the same time, saying that you want to run it back and minutes later trading one of the most important pieces of this roster (RoCo) it looks fishy.
D’Antoni doesn’t want to deal with him (left after contract expired) & Morey stepped down after 13 years of good work indicates that this ‘Dysfunction’ might come from somebody in charge.
And cudos to Morey. Trading Horford would be beneficial for both sides. He’s still god player but does not fit in Sixers mesh.
I can imagine he could be deadly for example in GSW as 5 with his stretching, schooting and defense but contract is too big to swallow. Maybe some other team can take a shot on him.
The Celtics are more excited what might happen if Harden joins the Nets and a couple of accused dysfunction generators there. Nothing like watching competition go up in flames.
I doubt Harden gets as many shooting fouls called anymore.