NBA Trade Rumors: The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly open to trading James Harden.
We could be in for one memorable NBA Trade Deadline. In what could possibly be remembered as an all-time news dump, it’s recently been reported that the Brooklyn Nets are open to discussing a James Harden trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons.
Sources: The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pursue Brooklyn's James Harden ahead of NBA trade deadline Thursday – and the Nets are now open to discussing a deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2022
Details on @TheAthletic: https://t.co/asdsGS0Sht
It’s no secret that the Sixers would explore the possibility of poaching Harden away from the Nets, Though, the expectation has been that if it were to happen that it would take place during the offseason.
It seems that perhaps the Sixers may not want to wait that far. And it would not make much sense at all. Especially considering that Joel Embiid is in the midst of the best season of his career. Why let this season go to waste when you can add a player as talented as Harden and possibly make a real run to a championship.
That said, should a deal happen at the deadline, it’s likely going to cost the Sixers more than just Simmons. The big question for Sixers general manager Daryl Morey is whether or not he’s willing to go all-in for a Harden-Embiid combo.
At the very least, it’s something to monitor as the trade deadline quickly approaches.
Despite this news, I still believe there’s a higher probability that Harden isn’t traded than he is at the deadline. But this news leak is interesting. I’m not sure if this is the Nets trying to get a bidding war for Harden started or if this is the Sixers leaking this trying to force the Nets’ hand.
Either way, it will set up one interesting final week before the NBA Trade Deadline. Buckle up, we could be in for a wild next few days.