The Philadelphia 76ers have been trying to find a way to acquire James Harden, and they could be making progress ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “Get Up!” Wednesday that there is “definitely motivation” from both the Nets and Sixers to work out a deal involving Harden and Ben Simmons. The reporter adds that Philadelphia is looking into potential trades for Tobias Harris, which is a sign that they may want to make room for Harden.
.@WindhorstESPN says Ben Simmons-James Harden trade discussions are absolutely happening 👀
"The teams are absolutely engaged in trade discussions. … As far as I can tell, we're in the deal zone between Harden and Simmons." pic.twitter.com/gvZfNTfCFk
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 9, 2022
The Nets reportedly want Simmons and a combination of draft picks and other players from Philly. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey feels that asking price is too high, but Windhorst says the two teams are in the “deal zone.” He believes something will get done.
Brooklyn has now lost nine games in a row. Kevin Durant has missed the last month with a hamstring injury, and Kyrie Irving is only a part-time player due to his vaccination status. Perhaps the Nets have finally accepted that their “Big Three” are not going to win a title together.
Harden can become a free agent this summer if he turns down his $47 million player option for next season. That has complicated trade talks, as the Sixers would run the risk of only getting the 32-year-old as a rental player.
Morey has coveted Harden for so long that there could be a tampering investigation. He may be willing to do whatever it takes to land him.
Photo: Feb 1, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
