Morey can’t be working on something significant for Harden without Simmons. It just can’t happen. Phili had nothing to offer other than Joel and Ben.
I will say this.............. If Daryl Morey ends up in Philadelphia with a raise, a longer contract, more assets, Joel Embid and Ben Simmons..... AND James Harden....... Then the Rockets fans better get their torches and axes and march to Tilman Fertitta's house and burn it to the ground.
Rockets getting Simmons for Harden means the Rockets win the trade all things considered. Teams forced to trade their stars typically don't win the trade. Getting a bunch of picks, no matter how many, IMO, is not enough of a haul. We just gotta prepare ourselves mentally to being fleeced. Oh well, this is what we get for years of mismanagement of Harden.
We keep him until some team offers up a Herschel Walker type of haul. Any team in the NBA is fair game...let the League bid it up. No discounts..quite the opposite. Contrary to what some are saying, we have the leverage. Morey and the Sixers should be investigated HARD for tampering. That said, I want Ben Simmons + the world in a history making deal. But, Stone and our Rockets need to hold the line..for a loooong time if necessary. Hell, I want to see him play with these guys. After all he demanded Wall and his crappy contract. Patience is the key word here. We either get a massive treasure trove or he stays.
And I don't mean to say Simmons is or will ever be as great as Harden, just that Harden's value is a bit depreciated due to his actions and trade demand and situation of the Rockets organization.
Simmons is a great young player, It’s not that hard to believe they don’t want to trade him for Harden who’s 30/31 with a lot of miles on him.
If this stance doesn’t change, then Harden won’t be a Sixer. Morey can posture all he want, but unless he wants an Eastern Conference rival getting Harden, he’ll pony up Simmons.
Doubt it. Simmons is a great young player. He hasn’t even hit he’s peak and he’s one of the best passers/ defenders in the league.