James Harden Rumors: Sixers Ranked As Top Destination For Disgruntled Rockets Star, Report Says

KEY POINTS

James Harden joining the 76ers is highly possible, reports suggest
Ben Simmons could be a more than generous offer to Houston for Harden
Nets, Bucks, Sixers and Heat have not ramped up the chase for Harden

There are at least four NBA teams that James Harden would prefer moving to. Most have probably heard about them, but to refresh, they are the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat.

What is notable about these NBA clubs is that they are all practically guaranteed to make the playoffs. They could be one player away from reaching the NBA Finals, and “The Beard” could be that missing link. The only problem though is that they will have to invest heavily and sacrifice a star plus assets to get the 2018 NBA MVP.

Of the said teams, the 76ers have been singled out as the squad that could end up with Harden. This report comes from Marc Stein of The New York Times, who cited unnamed league sources.

As the NBA preseason begins tonight Philadelphia ranks as the most likely destination when the Rockets eventually reach the point of trading James Harden, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 11, 2020

The report seems a bit vague and there is a chance that his source may be just speculating. Further, there are different factors to consider before thinking ahead.

There is the Tilman Fertitta and Daryl Morey issue to consider. The Rockets owner is allegedly not keen on talking about a deal with the current president of basketball operations, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer claimed. Morey was Houston’s former general manager. But that could change at some point if no movement for a trade involving Harden prospers.

Harden to Philly is unlikely;

“Will Tilman Fertitta trade James Harden to Daryl Morey? I’ve been told probably not...I think Morey would offer way more than just Ben Simmons, but I’ve still been told unlikely that Fertitta wouldn’t trade him to Morey.”

- via @KevinOConnorNBA pic.twitter.com/9mgaFoZZK3
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 17, 2020

Assuming it does get settled, the next issue is: who will the Sixers send? Ben Simmons has been singled out as the player likely to be moved. The only problem is that Philly does not have a tempting future pick to offer. However, pundits see Simmons as more than enough for the Rockets to receive in a potential deal.

So it all boils down to the final decision of both teams. The Rockets want a young player and Simmons has the makings of a future NBA star if he plays for the right club. But his ability to shoot it from the outside will need to be worked on by Stephen Silas and company.

A Harden tandem with Joel Embiid will be intriguing. Philly has been looking for added offense, particularly outside shooting. The eight-time All-Star undoubtedly fits that need. So the question now is: will the Sixers trade away a young promising star for a veteran who could boost their NBA postseason goals?