With just two days to go until the NBA trade deadline, the entire basketball community is on the edge of its seat. We have already seen some minor deals go down, and new rumors continue to pour in. The main storyline everyone is closely watching involves a potential mega-deal between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Late Friday afternoon, Sham Charania of The Athletic dropped a report that could change the NBA landscape. It stated the Nets and Sixers have opened discussions on a trade involving James Harden and Ben Simmons. Most expected a deal of this nature to come about in the offseason, but now there is a chance we see these Eastern Conference rivals swap All-Stars before Thursday's deadline.

Throughout this saga, Daryl Morey remained patient in finding a trade partner for the former no. 1 pick. His goal was to find a trade that increases the Sixers' odds of competing for a championship and now has one. Putting Harden alongside the current MVP favorite in Joel Embiid would shoot Philly up the ranks of possible contenders this year.

While Morey is right to continue his pursuit of Harden, there is a gamble with a move of this nature. After this season, the former MVP has a player option he will likely opt out of. If the 76ers do acquire him, the next step is to sign him to an extension. Given his time and stature in the NBA, Harden is due for a significant payday.

These massive salary numbers might deter some, but could be a situation the 76ers find themselves in. Handing a 32-year-old player a max contract is a gamble, but it's a chance Daryl Morey should take.

With Joel Embiid in the prime of his career now, the Sixers need to operate with the big picture in mind. They are not only looking to contend this season but for years to come. Having a duo of Harden and Embiid long-term puts the Sixers in a good position to make multiple runs at a title.

Paying a player around $60 million a year at ages 35 and 36 is not a great situation to be in, but is the cost of doing business. There is no telling how graceful a deal like this might age, but it's the early years that matter. If acquired, the 76ers would have a real shot at contention for at least three years of that contract. Having good odds of winning a title for that duration makes the final two years worth it.

At the end of the day, star talent wins championships in the NBA. Pairing a solidified second option like Harden next to Embiid is the exact type of move Morey is looking for. The max contract that would follow a deal like this is risky but could pay huge dividends down the line.