NBA Rumors: Are the Sixers angling for a run at James Harden?

NBA Rumors: Are the Philadelphia 76ers angling to make a run at James Harden during the offseason? 

Entering this season, the Philadelphia 76ers were supposed to be one of the handful of Eastern Conference teams in the running to win this year’s NBA Championship. That was before Ben Simmons blew all those plans up.

While the Sixers are trying to salvage the Simmons situation, all signs still point to the eventual divorce between the two sides.

Simmons is not playing for the Sixers and it is now in the best interest of the team to try and get something – anything – in exchange for the all-star. Philly can’t afford to waste another prime year from Joel Embiid, and refusing to trade Simmons (while he continues to resist a potential change of heart) will effectively do that this season.

That said, it appears the Sixers are working to improve the roster on multiple fronts. While they’re looking for an all-star talent – and then some – in exchange for Simmons, they could be also pursuing much more during the offseason.

In a recent episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast, Brian Windhorst suggested the idea that Sixers general manager could be setting the groundwork to make a run at James Harden during the offseason.

That would align with the idea that the team could be looking to attach Tobias Harris to any Ben Simmons deal. It would help give the Sixers some financial flexibility heading into the offseason and give them options to pursue a big-name free agent – i.e. Harden.

Essentially, if all goes right in the mind of Morey, the Sixers could land an all-star talent in exchange for Simmons and then still have room and the opportunity to pursue Harden during the offseason.

Harden could test free agency after this season, assuming he declines his player option for next season. At the very least, you’d expect he’ll be looking to sign an extension with the Brooklyn Nets.

Though, if he opens up his free agency, perhaps if the Nets’ season ends in disgrace or just prematurely, and there’s a chance that Harden opens up his free agency, you can almost bet that the Sixers will be involved.