NBA Rumors: James Harden Could Jump To Philly If Brooklyn Sputters This Season

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and there are suggestions that James Harden could be moving to another team.

However, there will be a lot of factors in play as far as Harden is concerned. He has a $47 million player option at the end of the season, and it remains unclear what he plans to do.

But among the possibilities include a potential move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Most know that Ben Simmons is determined to play elsewhere once a deal is in place.

Unfortunately for the Australian cager, Sixers president Daryl Morey has set his demands before agreeing to deal out the 6-foot-11 player.

Between the two, there is no question that Harden holds a big edge as far as talent.

Simmons is an up-and-coming star although his confidence and shooting continue to be criticized.

NBA reporter Marc Stein claimed that the 2018 NBA MVP awardee may be open to a trade involving Simmons and reunite with Morey who he worked with when both were still with the Houston Rockets.

But any deal may not come to fruition this February. Harden has shown no indication of wanting to leave Brooklyn, but a dismal finish this season could change all that.

As things stand now, Harden has bigger things to think about. Kevin Durant will be out for the next couple of weeks, meaning the nine-time All-Star will have to step up his game alongside Kyrie Irving.

The fact that Irving is technically a part-time player means the burden to play more will be on Harden.

Brooklyn is sitting on the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings as of this writing. Maintaining or improving their place will depend on how well head coach Steve Nash adjusts his rotation.

In all, only an NBA title could assure the Nets that Harden will be there to stay. Anything less than that could spur a change of heart–paving the way for a potential Simmons for Harden trade in the offseason.