By all accounts, the Philadelphia 76ers were not willing to trade either of their two stars in a deal for Rockets guard James Harden. New Sixers GM Daryl Morey made it earlier this offseason that he is invested in giving the Embiid/Simmons duo another chance to succeed.
But today, according to a new report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, it seems the Sixers may have changed their minds on who, exactly, they’re willing to give up for the Beard.
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
The news comes as a shock for many, as it was believed Simmons was untouchable in trade talks. The 2x All-Star, who turned 24 in July, is one of the league’s brightest young players and a core member of the Sixers organization.
https://twitter.com/PopePondexter_/status/1339714370151084032
It should also be noted that, in a response to the report, team President Daryl Morey has come out and denied Simmons is available.
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
As a 24-year-old with superstar potential, Ben is the best return the Rockets could possibly hope for.
For the Sixers, swapping Ben for Harden means going all-in on their pursuit of a title. Harden, 31, isn’t on the same timeline as Simmons. But with Embiid, he would almost certainly be a better fit and Philadephia could emerge as serious title contenders in the East.
Needless to say, it’s a huge moment for both teams and the NBA as a whole. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the end.
