Philadelphia is considered the most likely landing spot for James Harden if and when the Rockets decide to trade him, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter links).
As Stein explains, the Rockets are insisting for now that they won’t move Harden and the Sixers are saying they won’t move Ben Simmons, so nothing is imminent. However, sources tell Stein that the familiarity between the two front offices will be important in trade talks and can help defuse lingering tension related to Daryl Morey‘s departure from Houston.
The 76ers are one of the four teams believed to be among Harden’s list of preferred destinations, along with the Nets, Heat, and Bucks. Of those four clubs, Philadelphia is best positioned to meet Houston’s reported asking price of an All-Star caliber franchise cornerstone in return for Harden.
New Sixers head coach Doc Rivers has reportedly made it clear – both publicly and privately – that he wants an opportunity to see if he can maximize the on-court fit of Simmons and star center Joel Embiid, something former coach Brett Brown was never quite able to do.
As such, Morey and the 76ers are unlikely to be open to offering Simmons to the Rockets anytime soon. However, if no player as valuable as the 24-year-old is on the table from any other suitors, it makes sense for Houston to wait to see whether or not Simmons’ fit with Embiid improves — if it doesn’t, it’s possible the Sixers would make the former No. 1 overall pick available.
Without Simmons in their offer, it’s hard to see how the Sixers could put together a compelling package for Harden, so if Morey ultimately decides to hang onto the fifth-year guard, the Rockets will almost certainly have to look elsewhere.
They’d be smarter to trade embiid instead of Simmons
I can see it going both ways.
Trade Embiid you can have a fast small ball lineup that may benefit Harden as Simmons doesn’t need to score to be great. Trade Simmons you have a balanced deadly offense with Embiid and Harden taking the air out of the ball.
Either way it could work but I’d still rather stay put until Harden starts sitting games or something toxic. Then trade with package around Tobias some players and some picks.
I said months ago, Morley loves Harden and small ball and would give up Embid.
And I think now for Houston with the Wall addition, Embid makes even more sense.
Talk radio fans in Houston aren’t too excited about Ben Simmons. There’s really not too much to pilfer from those 4 teams. Even the first round picks would stink because they wouldn’t be too close to potential lottery picks.
I’d love to get Ben Simmons. If he doesn’t have the shooting touch, work on his post game and have him post up on opposing guards down low. If they rotate a bigger guy on him, Simmons is a good passer so he can just pass out of the post and/or paint.
Do people really post up anymore? Seems like a lost art. Teams like to run and shoot more now, and it’s more efficient offense.
You can give Simmons a couple of good shooters for him to pass.
He has shooters in Harris and Curry now. I see Simmons being who the Sixers would keep for the team they have.
Also letting him bring the ball up, but Harden still being the main scorer (but off the ball for change) might be the best type player to pair with Harden.
Really any team that picks up James Harden is not going to be a lottery pick. Even the Knicks would be in the playoffs if they got a guy like Harden. Might not be a title threat, but would easily be a 5-8 seed.
Yeah that is pretty much the ceiling for any team with Harden. Playoffs with no chance of a title.
Only 1 out of 30 teams win a title. It’s not really that odd for players to not do it. Some of the greatest players in history have not won a title. His peak teams just happened to coincide with one of the best dynasties in NBA history. Patrick Ewing wasn’t a bad player because he could never beat Michael Jordan. People need to get over this obsession of rings and just enjoy watching one of the best players of this generation.
He’s certainly NOT one of the best players of this generation.
He might be one of the best offensive players of the decade, but that’s about it..When you’re a generational type of player, you’re easily hands down one of the top 2 or 3 players in the league. Harden has NEVER been the best player in the league, nor even a top 3-4 guy EVER!!
LeBron, Kawhi, KD, Curry, AD, etc..He’s arguably never even been a top 5 player in the league, especially since he just started playing defense..
When you’re a generational talent, you’re either a championship winner, or youre one of the most complete players in the game…Or at the very least, you’re known for being a winner, a great leader, and you’re known for making everyone around you better…Harden is known for NONE of those things…
He’s basically the equivalent of Carmelo Anthony in his prime, except he might even be more of a ball hog than Carmelo..He’s an AMAZING scorer, but relies heavily on an isolation dominant style of basketball…
His incessant dribbling not only puts his opponents in a lull, it puts most fans to sleep watching him…Not to mention all the complaining and flailing he does around the court. He’s known for being a whiny, immature, flop-happy, ball hog..That’s why his peers don’t care for him, and why he will never be remembered as a generational player!!
That’s your opinion, others have a right to disagree. Nobody is really wrong yet. History will decide.
Patrick Ewing was a generational talent, but never won a title. Most of the big time players from the 60s and 70s that didn’t play for the Celtics or Lakers didn’t win titles either.
I see Harden more like AI , than Carmelo.. that said I tend to say Harden is a great player, but wouldn’t call him top 3-5 of his generation. I’m curious what could have been in OKC.
@bravesfana88… You do realize Harden is an MVP & has been for the last 5/6 years in the top 3 in the MVP finalists… so it seems very clear to any hoops fan, excluding the usual haters, that he is a generational talent, despite your unreasonable dislike of him, right?
“Generational talent” when first used, meant only one of him came along in a generation. Given how long pro BB has been around, that would be like a top 5 alltime. That definition has to expand generously to include Harden.
Couldnt have said it better myself!
You can not like the guy, you can’t deny his talent.
I like Porter and Bam but I think Simmons ceiling is just another level. If dude becomes an AVG shooter then he’s a top 5 guy IMO
To me if I’m Houston it’s a no brainer if Simmons is on the table. Everything else is ehh
As of now Bam and Simmons aren’t on the table. May have to settle for Khris Middleton or Dinwiddie as the headliner.
Rockets fans want a better shooter than Simmons and they really don’t like any 76ers picks
Simmons can’t shoot 40% beyond 15 feet
Simmons to third team
Rockets get an young all star and someone like Okongwu
76ers get Harden
I agree but unfortunately, Ben Simmons has shown absolutely zero desire to develop his shot. He’s shot 24 career 3s and 12 of those were ‘heaves’ at the end of a quarter/half.
His allergy to even attempting threes, as a guard and in an era where three point shooting has exploded to all-time highs, is one of the most fascinating stats in recent memory. It is truly unbelievable. Even guys like Serge Ibaka, who would go almost entire seasons without attempting a 3 now shoot hundreds a year. Simmons’ shooting habits are inexplicable.
I totally agree and share the skepticism
Still I think if I’m Houston and I’m starting over I take the chance if available
Houston will give it one more run. Once they lose and it doesn’t work out with simmons or embiid they will do a trade next summer. Simmons and a couple firsts in distant future going to Houston. News flash neither win after the trade.
Harden and Tucker for Harris Thybulle Joe Green Milton Maxey and every draft pick/swap next 10 years
I dont see 76ers giving up simmons or embiid
Houston wouldn’t do that.
Sadly it’s better than anything else they’ll get. I don’t see the Sixers bidding against themselves to break up their young core. Any likely package coming from them involves Harris.
They can absolutely do better than that. Pick swaps mean nothing in an offer with Philly when you give them Harden. And why would Houston want to take on a pretty terrible contract for Harris? They have the top 5-10 player. They don’t need to take anything they don’t feel is worth.
Harden will be here to start season. But the two teams that are tops are probably because of DAntoni or Morey being with them. I can understand wanting an East coast team because high chance of reaching playoffs. But not many teams out there that I think will beat Lakers if anytime soon. I think should give things a start but with Silas and his staff not sure how all will mesh. But really at least would hate to see go but would hate to see the team such a mess. Hope something comes to turn things better.
Simmons is the best asset that seems available to exchange for Harden…and Harden would look nice in the east running the pick and roll with Embiid. But, Simmons is a terrible fit with Wall…Houston is going to start two point guards that can’t spread the floor? That would be a real mess. And how bad does the combo of Embiid and Simmons need to be for the Sixers to trade Simmons…because Embiid and Simmons are talented and they have a good coach and supporting roster…so there’s pretty much no way they’re gonna be bad. I don’t see this being resolved anytime soon.
Do we even know if Simmons if
really available?
He’s not available.
Thank you. People keep forgetting that.
Not worth trading Simmons for Harden. Harden is a ball hog who can’t get along with other star players, demands whatever team he plays for gives in to every demand he has, is 31 with only 2 years left before he demands a 5 year max at 33, and it’s questionable how well he ages considering his partying.
Ben Simmons is 7 years younger, on a 5 year deal at a lower rate, and if the Sixers need to trade him there are better deals to be had. Even if it isn’t in a trade for a player like Beal it’s a waste of a Simmons trade to trade him for Harden.
Leave Harden there he gonn cost more than he is worth and can do to cover his cost , if he could he and Houston wouldn’t part ways , if they do make the deal the Sixers need to keep both Simmons and Emblid if they wanna make trading for Harden worth there while … let’s go Knicks !
It’s has become more if than when at this point.
And will become even more so, despite all the media hype.
Oh but wait, you said Harden would always be in Hou. That they never trade him
Sources: James Harden’s parents, his agent, and James Harden.
Sure: Harris, Maxey and 2 future firsts for Harden. Anything more for Harden isn’t worth it to the Sixers.
Houston, you have a problem.
Rockets fans don’t want any picks from 76ers
Third team can make it work
Third team can Research equal value of Harden
Rockets can want Luka Doncic and 20 first round picks in a trade. It doesn’t matter what they want. Harden is aging, expensive, causes drama, hasn’t proven he can be good when it matters in the playoffs, and the team has little leverage. If they want more they can ask a different team.
Why do people always say “aging” as if it an insult. There is NO person on Earth that is not aging at all times. Even Zion is aging.
A third team is not going to give away their future to Houston without getting a star like Harden in return. If you were a lottery team, would you give up your future picks to get some garbage from the other two teams?
@BG99 you can use Thybulle/Milton/ and/or Maxey along with Harris and a couple of firsts. Anything more (we are not giving up Simmons) and I am content with what we already have in place.
Do Simmons for Harden honestly..Philly fans are tired of losing and Ben doesnt fit with Embiid….Harden could play PG…Wall & Simmons could work…Harden with shooters and a All Star Big could win the East
No…just no! Ben ain’t going no where!
Sixers aren’t trading Simmons probably Harris thybal and 2-3 first round picks should get the deal done rockets can’t be too greedy in negotiations they won’t get everything they want for harden no team ever does when trading a star or superstar
If Simmons is made available, look for other teams to get involved. A three team deal that gets Harden to Philly, Simmons to the Nuggets, and Porter Jr plus pieces to Houston checks a lot of boxes.
And there are other teams that would get involved if Simmons was available, not just Denver.
Harden for pg next year
Morey bent over backwards and forwards for Harden. Then he did it again. Philly trust me He won’t work with Embiid or anyone. Do not trust Morey. Harden is another Mello. You can’t win championships. When your star doesn’t play D. And holds the ball for 20 sec. Cause he can put up 30. Simmons is a mystery when it comes to his shot. By now he should have improved some. IMO he shouldn’t be playing PG. He can play either wing spot. And can dominate from there. Just move him to the wing. Sixers would have most athletic and dominant front court in NBA. All they need is a motion offense. Stay away from Harden. Better off picking up D Rose at TD. Resigning him.
Rockets want to compare with Paul George and Jrue Holiday trade package
According to trade rules. 76ers have only two available future Firsts
Rockets would take this trade
Simmons and someone like Kelly Oubre with 4 years contract
TD
Warriors give 3 year extension to Oubre then take 2 Firsts from 76ers
Sorry but its gotta be Harris + or it’s a terrible move. Age, contract, style of play. You don’t tank to trade your all star point guard for a bout to be 32 yr old, albeit Top 5-10 player. But his window is much shorter and he has an out in a year.
No one wants Harris’s contract.
That’s fine then they can go trade for Dinwiddie and LaVert + picks…harden is great but no need to wreck your team trying to get him.
Exactly. Harris doesn’t have to go to Houston too. I’ve put out a Harden + Gordon deal that gives the Rockets 24M in expiring contracts, Harris, and multiple 1sts. “No one, and I Mean No one” is trading for Gordon. It’s completely do-able for the Sixers a month from now.
Bucks aren’t trading Middleton, Nets aren’t trading Kyrie, Heat aren’t trading Butler, why would the Sixers trade Simmons?
I mean what should be happening is, finding a 3rd team with someone that the Rockets would want. Like a Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley package where Harris and multiple picks go to the Kings.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
It won’t happen until midyear, if at all. Philly has to (regardless of people involved) give the Embid-Simmons combination a try under a new regime. If, at any point, they’re willing to move Simmons (or Embid) in a Harden deal, I think the deal would get done within seconds.
With Harris
Rockets won’t make playoffs next 10 years
Two 100 million overpaid contracts
2020 to 2023
No cap room to sign superstars
2024 to 2027
Have traded 4 future Firsts
Harden MVP please say something
The Sixers having to put up Simmons would be like the Nets having to put up Kyrie or KD. He’s one of the two guys you have on the team that would make trading for Harden worthwhile in the first place.
I think the Nets have the best package to put together without the inclusion of a “star.” But, for James Harden…
… Orlando could offer some combo of Aaron Gordon (2yrs), Ross (3yrs), Aminu, and picks.
…Atl has Collins, Hunter, Reddish, Huerter for cheap multiple years, and Snell’s contract.
…Chicago has LaVine and Porter’s contract to build out a trade from.
…Detroit has Blake, if Fertitta thinks he’d sell tickets post-covid.
Speaking of Fertitta, as long as he’s cutting cost and gets a decent basketball return, maybe he’s petty enough to not trade Harden where he wants and spite Morey while he’s at it too.
Trade him to the Kicks. He can be the next Carmelo.
This week Rockets owner said he still wanted to compete for Championships with current team. It doesn’t make sense to trade Harden for Tobias Harris and target Championships.
Wall is about 80% conditioning.
The Rockets contending this year is #fakenews
This has nothing to do with anything, but I find your screen name to be hilarious!
#FreeTheBeard
Ben and Joel can space better together with Horford gone. I hope that doc can get Simmons to shoot three pointers and draw fouls going to the rim. The Sixers would need shooters around them if Ben were to stay. I’d be fine with the trade of Simmons for Harden.
At this point I don’t think any team should really be offering much of anything for Harden. I mean the guy can obviously score — there’s no question about that. But he isn’t particularly efficient and has never been able to co-exist with any combination of stars/role-players and be a legitimate championship caliber team. Idk maybe he just needs the right fit but at this point it more or less looks like he just isn’t the right guy to build around — regardless of how many points he can score on any given night.
I believe at this point in his career he’s uncoachable.
Will Morey bring his old mistakes to his new employer? Not yet… Sixer owners want to how their stars do with the new expensive HC before they empower the new expensive GM to change it.
And the Rocket GM did say “willing to be uncomfortable”.
Which is an odd turn of phrase. I found that interesting, too.
Think you will find Warriors might get Harden.
Wiggins Pascal Wiseman Wolves pick and future first. Would be hard package to beat.
And a dumb package to offer
Wherever harden goes …..your team will always be pretenders to an nba title! NO TITLE !
6ers not best trading partner. Embiid remains injury risk…Simmons shooting woes are real. Harden for Paul George package…but Clippers are moving in opposite direction. They will regret it. Houston is screwed.
Sixers are not trading Simmons, Rivers is going to unlock parts of his game. So not happening unless Harden is dead set on Philly and the Rockets take Harris, some young players and a plethora of picks. Rockets can currently get more elsewhere, so a non starter
Coach Rivers wants to run! Ben’s lack of three-point shooting is WAY overblown. That said, he needs to shoot the three when he’s wide open, or if he’s open in the corners because he can hit from there.
Ben’s gonna take that next step this year as long as he stays healthy and focused.
I’m okay with the 76ers landing him. I want Giannis!