The Houston Rockets begin preseason play on Friday, but they do so under the constant cloud of James Harden trade rumors. Enter the Sixers.
Harden finally reported to Rockets camp earlier this week, but has given no indication he wishes to play in Houston this year. “The Beard” initially posited the Brooklyn Nets as his preferred trade destination, though he has since added contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat to the list.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Sixers are seen as the favorites to land Harden in the vent Houston decides to trade the former MVP.
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
Stein noted the Sixers have no interest in trading Ben Simmons–a likely candidate to be included in a possible package–and the Rockets are content retaining Harden.
However, Stein also reported there is a sense the “familiarity” between Sixers president Daryl Morey and the Rockets' front office could ultimately result in the two sides finding common ground.
The Rockets insist (for now) they will not trade Harden. The Sixers insist (for now) they will not trade Ben Simmons
But sources say the familiarity between the front offices can ultimately defuse any lingering tension from Daryl Morey's departure from Houston to Philadelphia
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 11, 2020
But this still feels incredibly speculative.
Philadelphia has been adamant it will not move either Simmons or Joel Embiid, with head coach Doc Rivers especially singing their praises and stating his belief the two stars can play together.
Is a Rockets-Sixers deal even possible if one of those two players is not included? It wouldn't appear so, considering Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Houston has no interest in Brooklyn's package unless it includes Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant.
Still, it seems there is a feeling around the league Morey will find a way to trade for James Harden if both sides eventually show more openness.