The Philadelphia 76ers have long been enamored with the prospect of acquiring James Harden. There’s no doubt that James Harden would be a top-tier co-star for Joel Embiid, and he is the sort of difference-making player that the 76ers want in a Ben Simmons trade.
While originally James Harden was linked with an offseason move to the 76ers, a recent report by Shams Charania suggested that the Brooklyn Nets would be willing to trade James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons. With that in mind, here are the 3 best trade packages that the 76ers could send out to acquire James Harden.
Trade Package No. 3
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: James Harden
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Ben Simmons, Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz
Obviously, Ben Simmons is the centerpiece of this package and all subsequent packages. On the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons would be able to play next to shooters such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Patty Mills. That would lead to a completely spaced-out floor for his drives to the rim, and would also maximize his playmaking abilities.
The Brooklyn Nets have obviously missed Joe Harris for the majority of the season. Perhaps adding more shooters in a James Harden package would be intriguing for them. This package would give them two solid shooters in Danny Green and Furkan Korkmaz. Danny Green shoots 38.4% from beyond the arc and is the quintessential 3 and D player. Furkan Korkmaz has struggled this year, but he shot 37.5% from beyond the arc last season, and perhaps he could rediscover that form on the Nets.
Overall, this trade package would allow the Nets to acquire Ben Simmons along with some shooters to improve on both ends of the floor. Extra shooting on the team definitely won’t hurt, and depth is definitely important during the regular season.
Trade Package No. 2
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: James Harden
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle, 2022 first-round pick
This package focuses on improving the Brooklyn Nets’ defense. Obviously, Ben Simmons is a DPOY level talent. He is an extremely switchable defender, successfully guarding all five positions. His athleticism allows him to be comfortable against guards and centers alike. Having Ben Simmons and Kevin Durant on the same team would make the Nets an elite defensive team.
The Brooklyn Nets would also get Matisse Thybulle, who is well-known for playing elite perimeter defense. He’s bothered players like Stephen Curry on the court before, so adding him would give the Brooklyn Nets someone that they can put on opposing superstars to play lockdown defense and take away defensive responsibilities from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The draft pick in this scenario would be a sweetener to get the deal done.
This trade package would get the Brooklyn Nets two defensive stalwarts, while also granting them minor draft compensation. This trade would definitely help the Brooklyn Nets in the now, and with Matisse Thybulle and Ben Simmons still being young, it also gives them something for the future.
Trade Package No. 1
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: James Harden
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, 2022 first-round pick
This is quite possibly the best package that the Brooklyn Nets could receive for James Harden. Ben Simmons would once again be the headliner for this package. He is a 25-year-old All-Star that can help uplift the team during the regular season. When he’s playing he’s one of the players in the league. Last season, Ben Simmons was averaging 14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 6.9 APG and playing DPOY-caliber defense.
Tyrese Maxey is a solid young combo guard that just got named to the Rising Stars game. He is currently putting up 16.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 4.8 APG on the season while shooting 39.9% from beyond the arc. There’s no doubt that Maxey has a promising future, and would provide the Brooklyn Nets with a solid prospect. The draft pick in this case would be a low-tier pick, but it would potentially help the Nets draft a contributor later in the first round.
Overall, this trade would provide the Brooklyn Nets with 2 very good young players. While neither Ben Simmons nor Tyrese Maxey are as good on an individual level as James Harden, perhaps they could provide a similar impact with their abilities.
