NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers Unlikely To Land James Harden, Here Is Why

James Harden appears determined to leave the Houston Rockets and most know that the Brooklyn Nets are the rumored destination.

But until that is made official, there are teams like the Philadelphia 76ers waiting in the wings.

The Sixers' interest in the 2018 NBA MVP has allegedly grown in recent weeks. But before any deal with Harden can be made, Philly needs to figure out who between Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid they could deal off as part of the trade, The Athletic reported.

Before getting any further, it would be best to note that Houston also has a say on where to trade Harden. Hence, it all depends on Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

Seeing how former Rockets Daryl Morey is involved, the chances of Harden's transfer to the Sixers have gone from low to none.

Morey was hired by Philly as their new President of Basketball of Operations last month, ESPN reported.

The newly-minted Sixers president could come up with a package aside from Simmons or Embiid included, possibly even more. But as early as now, the chances of the Rockets agreeing to that is low.

According to Kevin O’ Connor of the Ringer, Fertita is unlikely to entertain any trade that has Morey involved.

Hence, only the Nets appear to be a plausible landing spot for Harden if details can be finalized.

Harden passed up a chance to become the first NBA player to earn roughly more than $50 million a season. Shunning the offer is a clear indication that the “Bearded One” has his sights set on moving on and joining a contender.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how the Nets had opened a discussion with the Rockets about a possible trade involving Harden.

When word of this came out, most had taken it lightly. But with Harden shunning the big money offer by Houston, it is clear that a reunion with Kevin Durant is something that he is seriously fancying.

If the Nets pull it off, it would immediately raise their billing as one of the teams to watch this 2020-21 NBA season.

However, Brooklyn would have to give up a lot to make it happen. Among the names mentioned as being part of the trade include Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince and Jarrett Allen.