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Philly makes Simmons available
The Philadelphia 76ers have made Ben Simmons available in trade talks with the Houston Rockets, according to reports.
The Philadelphia 76ers have made Ben Simmons available in some packages with the Houston Rockets for James Harden, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Conversations aren't fluid as of now.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 17, 2020
Also in story: While the Sixers have signaled a willingness to include All-Star guard Ben Simmons in trade packages for Harden, those talks have come nowhere close to a deal, sources said. https://t.co/bbP3k3uNci
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2020
This is a big shift, and although the reports say a deal isn’t close, that feels like public negotiation.
Ben Simmons is an elite talent despite his lack of shooting, and is about to enter year one of a five year extension. A package of Simmons and picks (or even adding in another young players like Tyrese Maxey) would be a really good return for the Rockets.
Given the lack of teams who have the right combination of young stars, draft picks, and a willingness to shake up their roster, Philadelphia makes a ton of sense as a Harden destination.
If I were to guess, I’d say this deal probably happens in some form in the next day or two.
Update: The Sixers are refuting that they’re including Simmons. Let the public negotiation continue!
In response, 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium: “We are not trading Ben Simmons — he is an important part of our future.” https://t.co/W6T7HQjjoP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2020
Only because they first inquired about Kyle Guy but McNair flat out said no.
This feels like the final set of posturing before both teams start buckling down. Simmons likely wouldn’t like hearing his name floated in trade talks, so it sounds like it’s the Rockets making a last pitch to non-76ers teams: We can get Simmons out of this. Can you do better?.
With that said, I’m really struggling to think of a better deal for Harden that won’t cause the governor pulling out a pink slip for their FO. It’ll probably advance suddenly in a day or two.
I would not want a backcourt of Simmons and Wall. Both need the ball in their hands to be effective. Houston would need a bunch of shooters to give them space to operate.
Isn’t that what Cousins is for????
So I’m guessing they’d role out Wall, Gordon, Simmons, Tucker and DMC? Wood and McLemore off the bench?
Wall and Simmons would be the most horrifying shooting in a backcourt we’ve ever seen. And two playmakers with no one to pass to lol. Horrible idea.
Morey is not gonna say the contrary in the public about the trade. I am still waiting to see when Buddy would be dealt
Oh how I long for the drama free days when our general manager’s wife was rage tweeting against the team’s superstar from her basement.
I know I’m probably in the small minority, but I wouldn’t trade simmons for harden period, even in a straight swap.
I just don’t care for Harden’s game. Not to mention he’s 31 with one year left on his deal and seems to keep wilting in the big moments in the postseason. All that and he seems to be a mega diva. Philadelphia should just say no.
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