The basketball community continues to ask itself one simple question: Will the Philadelphia 76ers end the Ben Simmons saga at the trade deadline? Sixers general manager Daryl Morey has just over three weeks to decide if he will move the former no. 1 pick or drag the stalemate out into another offseason.
Based on how things have played out, convincing Simmons to return to action is off the table for the Sixers. He has not come close to suiting up this season, plus reports have surfaced stating that the three-time All-Star is willing to sit an extended period if needed until he gets a change of scenery.
One key reason the situation has gone on as long as it has is Morey's asking price for Simmons. The Sixers feel their window of contention is open now and continue to seek an All-Star caliber player to pair alongside Joel Embiid for his prime years. That said, potential suitors have been unwilling to meet the demands for the 25-year-old playmaker.
During his tenure as an executive, Morey has built a reputation for swinging big deals and being a star hunter. He has maintained a similar mindset throughout this saga with Simmons. Some of the names at the top of his wishlist include Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Bradley Beal.
Dating back to last season, Harden has been heavily linked to the Sixers. Before being dealt to the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers were among the final teams standing to acquire the former MVP. But following Harden's recent decision to refuse an extension with the Nets, Morey might have another shot at a reunion.
In his latest news dump, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Harden has an “openness to relocate” this summer when his deal is up. If he does decide to go elsewhere, Morey will for sure be first in line to try and execute a sign-and-trade.
Despite the pursuit of Harden not ending well the first time, Morey and the Sixers are smart for keeping a close eye on the situation. Pairing the future Hall of Fame guard alongside Embiid would give the Sixers one of, if not the most formidable offensive duos in the NBA right now.
But pragmatically speaking, it seems unlikely we see Simmons moved before February 10. The trade market has been lackluster so far, and Morey will not move his biggest asset now with so many elite players potentially becoming available in a few months' time.
There is no denying everyone wishes the ordeal be over and done with already, but the Sixers need to remain patient. They have suffered this long, so might as well get something good out of it. Trading for Harden is the exact type of home run swing Morey desires, and that dream could become reality this summer. He will surely continue to do his due diligence as the trade deadline quickly approaches.
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