Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
·4m
James Harden has recently indicated to Rockets he would be open to a trade to Philadelphia or other contenders, sources tell ⁦
@wojespn
⁩ and me. No substantive talks with Sixers yet. Daryl Morey has been adamant he wants to keep his two young stars.

If the 76ers are willing to trade Ben Simmons and a future first-round pick in a James Harden package deal. At the very least I'm intrigued by that offer the most compared to the previous ones I've seen. I don't want this James Harden situation to spiral out of control. Enough!

Horward is the problem...
CP3 is the problem....
Westbrick is the problem...

Nah. As I said all along. James Har_en is the problem.

I'm now 95% convinced that James Harden will be traded before the season starts on December 22.
And I'm guessing it's going to be to the 76ers unless the Nets or Warriors offer a massive package!
This is so disappointing to me. I love Harden and I wanted him here. But he wants out so adamantly.

I think a Ben Simmons, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins trio can still be a tough playoff team in a loaded Western Conference.
Provided that Eric Gordon can be a sharpshooter once again. He had a 50-point game vs. Utah last year without Harden and Russ.

Harden is a great player, and he'd likely be a terrific fit on the Sixers, but no. We aren't trading our 24 year old All-NBA and All-Defense player before he even reaches his prime years.

Sorry man, but that's not happening unless things absolutely spiral out of control for the Sixers which I can't see happening with the new pieces they have now and a better head coach.

But you agree with me that the 76ers can put together the best trade offer for James Harden. We have to look at a James Harden trade realistically. Let's be honest. That trade package the Nets were offering was terrible! They'd have to attach four first-round picks (unprotected) for it to be a worthwhile deal.

Ben Simmons and a first-round pick. I do like that trade offer the best. Unless the Nets or Warriors come back with a massive haul of young players and picks. The Warriors may be bluffing when they claim they are no longer interested. They were trying to acquire James Harden on draft night. They're interested!

Daryl Morey is a brilliant mind. He's working every angle I'm sure. He'll try to acquire Harden without giving up Simmons but that's the guy we want!

A guy that can't shoot 3's and 2 players over 30 that have suffered an achillis tear? Sure.

With that said, it feels good to have NBA Superstars requesting to play in Philly again as a desired destination.

A far cry from where this all started as a 10 win tanking team just 5 years ago.

They'd be able to defend and hold the other team's best scorer down. Hence why I said that Eric Gordon would have to be the sharpshooter of that team.

The thing about Ben Simmons is I truly believe he can become the league MVP in the near future. Once he develops a consistent jumper and three-point shot. Maybe that doesn't happen for two or three more years. If it all. But it's a risk I'd definitely take in a James Harden trade.

Ben Simmons is a 24-year-old stud and an elite defender. First team All-NBA defense in 2020. Two-time all star already. He can't shoot but that's something you can improve over time. It's hard to find a guy with his athleticism, length, passing ability and defensive dominance.

Look, the Houston Rockets haven't been to or won an NBA Finals since 1995! And the James Harden era was fun but it's time to move on.

I mean if the rockets want someone why do they have to give up Har_en?
Philly should be privileged for the Rockets even engaging them with trade talks.
Philly should give Ben Simmons up for Houston answering the phone.

Imagine. Har_en, Simmons, Cousins, Wall, Wood.
That lineup would give even the dream team trouble.
Stiles deserves the opportunity to coach these players in a Rockets uniform this year.

In fact for Philly not just giving Ben simmons up. The cost for Houston answering the phone has gone up. It will now require 4 first round draft picks AND Ben Simmons. As well as Philly facilitating Giannas trade to Houston.
That's the trade Houston wants.

This post was edited by UnEvilManiac on Dec 8 2020 02:30pm