The NBA trade deadline on Feb. 10 just became a lot more interesting with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets set to discuss a blockbuster deal involving Ben Simmons and James Harden.
Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, held out on moving Simmons with the hope of landing a superstar. When Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard no longer became an option, the 76ers focused on Harden.
Morey desperately wanted to reunite with Harden, with who he built a strong relationship during their time with the Houston Rockets. But the Nets refused to engage in discussions, determined to make things work with the big three of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
But with the NBA trade deadline approaching and Brooklyn seemingly realizing Harden isn’t the version of the player they need, a huge trade is possible by Feb. 10.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Brooklyn is “believed to be open to discussing a deal” involving Harden and Simmons with the 76ers. Both sides are planning to negotiate a potential blockbuster trade in the coming days, with Philadelphia possibly open to including Tyrese Maxey or Matisse Thybulle to ‘sweeten’ a potential offer.
- Ben Simmons contract: $33 million (2021-’22), $35.45 million (2022-’23), $37.9 million (2023-’23) and $40.34 million (2024-’25)
Simmons hasn’t played a game this season and the 76ers have fined him more than $17 million due to his holdout. But with multiple teams backing off their pursuit of the All-Star guard, many around the league thought Simmons would be stuck in Philadelphia through the remainder of the season.
However, Harden is reportedly not pleased with the situation in Brooklyn. As the Nets now look for a way to salvage this before he potentially walks in free agency this summer, an in-season trade for Ben Simmons is now at least a possibility.
A trade would certainly prove beneficial for both teams. Harden provides the scoring Philadelphia needs and adds a co-star alongside Joel Embiid. Instantly, the 76ers would be viewed once again as a potential threat to win the Eastern Conference.
As for Brooklyn, a deal could significantly help the roster. Simmons would provide stellar defense and could be another facilitator on the court. Just as importantly, the Nets could receive a key rotational player like Maxey or Thybulle to make an impact for 25-plus minutes.
It would still be a surprise if we see a Ben Simmons-James Harden trade within the next week. But with both sides interested in making a deal, anything could happen by Feb. 10.