Ben Simmons confidant believes Daryl Morey hell-bent on landing James Harden

Sources close to Simmons have insisted for quite some time now that Morey was hell-bent on finding a way to bring Harden to Philly. He nearly did it on Jan. 13, 2021, when Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta asked Harden to choose his destination — Brooklyn or Philly — and was relieved when he chose the Nets. The Rockets, who sources say made it clear to Harden that they would welcome him back in Houston if that was ever in the cards, were operating like a player-friendly operation in their handling of the deal but had all sorts of incentives to push the deal in Brooklyn’s direction.
Source: Sam Amick, Alex Schiffer, John Hollinger @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
In light of yesterday’s report on the Nets being open to offers for James Harden, we needed a small, elite team to help make sense of it all. Enter @Sam Amick and @John Hollinger to help make sense of it all. John and I let Amick’s California roots slide: theathletic.com/3113264?source… – 11:47 AM

Sam Amick @sam_amick
Making sense of the latest James Harden-Ben Simmons development, exploring the Kyrie Irving factor/power dynamics, and handicapping what might happen next, w/ @John Hollinger and @Alex Schiffer, at @TheAthletic
Might this Nets free-fall spark a deal?
theathletic.com/3113264?source… – 11:31 AM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Harden’s 32, Embiid’s 28 next month. If the Sixers and Nets do make a deal by the deadline, how big is Philly’s window including this postseason? – 10:19 AM

John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @The Athletic – teamed up with our @Sam Amick and @Alex Schiffer to discuss the James Harden situation and what a deal with Philly might look like
theathletic.com/3113264/2022/0… – 8:57 AM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Despite their 7-game losing streak and the Harden-for-Simmons rumors, the Brooklyn #Nets remain the +300 favorites to win the #NBA championship. – 8:30 AM

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @colehoops is here!
Blazers-Clippers trade! Harden-Simmons trade still have a shot to happen? Wizards and Lakers are a bit messy right now. Some thoughts on our favorite players to watch.
APPLE: https://t.co/hIOdTG6pmm
YouTube: https://t.co/VWdf5pN26j pic.twitter.com/ugwq1mnl3O – 7:35 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
You think Philly would have liked to have had Ben Simmons to guard Luka in this game? Before tonight, Luka had avg 21-6-6 on 37.5% shooting vs PHI. Tonight 33-13-15 (And only 3 TOs). – 3:19 AM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
As ugly as things look right now in Brooklyn, a healthy Kevin Durant solves a lot of problems. Nets don’t have to worry about seeding. Get KD healthy, keep Harden fresh and that’s still a team that can beat anyone in the playoffs. – 10:56 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
Nets are going to lose their 7th straight game. Their next 4 games:
@ Denver (no Harden?)
Boston (no Kyrie)
—– TRADE DEADLINE —–
@ Washington
@ Miami – 10:51 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden might get traded before this game restarts – 10:50 PM

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @colehoops is here! We chat about a few things, from the Blazers-Clips deal, to the renewed Simmons/Harden reporting, to the Wizards and Lakers being messes at the moment. Lot of fun stuff here, and you can watch it first on YouTube:
youtube.com/watch?v=6jskqP… – 10:46 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
I’m told James Harden is in the back getting treatment. – 10:31 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
No matter how Nets spin it, a James Harden trade would be an admission of massive failure from Sean Marks and his culture – 10:28 PM

Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Was listening to @NekiasNBA rant on the Dunker Spot podcast re: Harden’s defense against the Kings
I decided to take a look and this effort is…woof. pic.twitter.com/smk84G65Jl – 10:16 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden is not on the Nets bench tonight from what I saw but was in the arena pregame. Overreact to that any way you please. – 9:53 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
With rumors James Harden could get moved by the Nets before next week’s trade deadline, you might be wondering what his contract options are.
Good news! We’ve got you covered over on @spotrac! All the options, expensive as they might be, are covered here:
spotrac.com/research/nba/t… – 9:26 PM

Mike Finger @mikefinger
From the rivalry that gave us such epic matchups as Admiral-Hakeem and Timmy-Yao and Tony-TMac and Manu-Harden, we now get the privilege to witness Zach Collins-Alperen Sengun. – 9:21 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Pregame show is live! Come join the show.
✅ Aaron Gordon OUT, Jokic and Boogie IN
✅ The Fan Vogt
✅ Harden-Simmons trade?
✅ Keys to tonight’s game
youtube.com/watch?v=5Dp_Lq… – 8:29 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Too insulting to call Pascal Siakam “Good Ben Simmons?”
I mean, insulting to Pascal. – 8:23 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers showing why Daryl Morey has to fill the Ben Simmons-sized hole on this roster | Mike Sielski inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 8:11 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash on his talks with James Harden amid trade report: “We’re in lockstep, so I don’t think he pays attention in that way where it affects him. And he certainly knows my tone is like ‘its me and you, buddy. We’ve got to figure this out and keep going, keep pushing.’ ” #Nets – 7:54 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Just one mans opinion but I would trade Simmons for wings who can shoot defend and score because I think maxey is fine at point guard. Trading for harden kills his growth – 7:41 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
MVP odds haven’t moved since the James Harden-to-Philly rumors flared up. Joel Embiid remains the favorite, but at the same +200 odds. Nikola Jokic close behind at +300. – 7:41 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says the decision to hold Harden out tonight is precautionary — they want to give him another couple days to make sure his hamstring is feeling better. Nash does not believe Harden will need an MRI — and he’s hopeful he’ll play Sunday in Denver. – 7:35 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said James Harden experienced a strength deficit with his hamstring and it was bothering him against Sacramento. Doesn’t commit to him playing Sunday. – 7:34 PM

Howard Beck @HowardBeck
New Crossover pod: Previewing the trade deadline w/former Nets GM @Billy King, including thoughts on Ben Simmons, Sixers, Kings, Kyrie, Cavs, Grizz. Plus, some revelations on the Melodrama and the Dwightmare.
Listen/subscribe: https://t.co/lhCvpA2us5 pic.twitter.com/JRCmOyxDEe – 7:16 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #Sixers’ pursuit of James Harden receives a shot in the arm as trade deadline approaches | Keith Pompey inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 7:15 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets could be open to James Harden-Ben Simmons blockbuster at trade deadline nypost.com/2022/02/04/net… via @nypostsports – 6:59 PM

Ryan McDonald @ryanwmcdonald
James Harden-Ben Simmons deal could reportedly happen before the NBA trade deadline https://t.co/VDVGulz1nt pic.twitter.com/LCOmSMOO9g – 6:54 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
76ers-Nets to discuss Ben Simmons for James Harden trade sportando.basketball/en/76ers-nets-… – 6:42 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia Sixers Open To Discussing A James Harden-Ben Simmons Trade: ‘The Ball Is Is in The Nets’ Court’
forbes.com/sites/adamzago… – 6:37 PM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Non-zero chance Nets trade James Harden, then win the title four months later.
Imagine the anti-Harden vitriol. – 6:34 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets open to possible Harden for Simmons trade before deadline nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/04/rep… – 6:18 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Things have been rocky since James Harden got to Brooklyn. Kyrie part-time, injuries, COVID, and his own inconsistency this season.
He’s frustrated and he’s a free agent this summer. The Big 3 has hardly played together… Nets would be foolish if they didn’t field calls. – 6:18 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Yeah, whether or not it’s the season now or later, the way I look at it is [Harden’s] already said I want to play and finish my career in Brooklyn: He’s actually said that.”
-Joe Tsai via @Brian Lewis in Sep.
How much better could #sixers feel he’d wanna stay w/ them? – 6:15 PM

John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Technically, Philadelphia *has to* put in extra money into a Simmons-Harden deal, about $2.1 million. Thybulle and Maxey each make just enough to do it, but also works with Korkmaz, or Reed + Joe, or lots of other combinations.
theathletic.com/3112818/2022/0… – 6:13 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Joel Embiid is averaging more points (33.5) than minutes (32.3) in 2022. Imagine him playing with Harden.
Win $100 with @PrizePicks when he scores 1 point tonight.
➡️ https://t.co/22VhJZtsvW #ad pic.twitter.com/LXThCBH1pe – 5:53 PM

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Me + @Kevin O’Connor are hopping on Green Room to talk Harden, Portland, trades and more
Come join ‘Could James Harden for Ben Simmons Really Happen?’ on Greenroom! spotifygr.link/HAE6AlcTnnb – 5:46 PM

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Going live on @SpotifyGrnroom with @Bill Simmons to discuss the latest on James Harden and Ben Simmons, what we’re hearing, what to watch for over this next week. @ringer @ringernba spotifygr.link/dlEzcb6Snnb – 5:46 PM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
2022 NBA trade deadline rumors: Sixers to pursue James Harden, Nets open to discussing Ben Simmons swap
cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-… – 5:44 PM

Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Ben Simmons will balance out the Nets offensively, add defensive dimensions, and expand their window. On the court, he will help them.
Off it? 🤷 – 5:39 PM

Trey Kerby @treykerby
Every Sixers game will be 4+ hours if they have Embiid and Harden. – 5:37 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
There is some amusement in Philadelphia regarding the latest Nets/Harden reporting — if he’s unhappy, a threat to walk, and disrupting on-court chemistry, the thought goes, why should they give up extra to go get him now? phillyvoice.com/nba-trade-rumo… – 5:34 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Would guarantee Brooklyn is asking for Maxey, picks, in addition to Simmons, in exchange for Harden. – 5:20 PM

John Karalis @John_Karalis
Would it be Simmons for Harden straight up? Are they swapping Harrises? – 5:18 PM

Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
The Nets are open to trading James Harden?
Good. They should be. – 5:18 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
We’re gonna get “Two Alphas” talk from Harden if he goes to Philly. – 5:18 PM

Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
James Harden is unhappy playing with Joel Embiid and would like to get traded, per 2023 NBA media reports – 5:16 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Maxey being carried out of Wells Fargo Center on KD and Simmons’ shoulders after hitting the series-winning shot against the 76ers in the East Finals. Doc says he doesnt know that question or the answer right now when asked if Harden can be the point guard of a championship team. – 5:09 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
What do we think Brooklyn prioritizes in a Simmons + for Harden deal?
Maxey obviously has the most upside. Curry probably does the most for their specific roster needs. Thybulle and Simmons could survive offensively with KD and Kyrie. Picks open up the most flexibility. – 5:09 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
What’s ironic is both Harden and Simmons are both more talented than than the general public perceives them to be right now. – 5:08 PM

Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Did the Kings holding James Harden to 4 points, break the Nets? – 5:03 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
If the Nets trade Harden to Sixers (in mid-season!!) it will the ultimate ‘NBA is the best league/worst league’ moment in my lif …. well, until the next one. – 5:03 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
The Sixers are expected to pursue a James Harden trade and the Nets are now open to a deal ahead of Thursday’s deadline, per @Shams Charania. pic.twitter.com/8HqnDMOe4S – 5:03 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’m not gonna lie, part of me is wondering how much of my “James Harden traded to Philly” prewrite from last January I can still salvage. – 4:58 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Sources: The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pursue Brooklyn’s James Harden ahead of NBA trade deadline Thursday – and the Nets are now open to discussing a deal.
Details on @TheAthletic: theathletic.com/3112818/2022/0… – 4:53 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
My NBA trade deadline latest on Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal, John Collins, Myles Turner and more … all here: marcstein.substack.com/p/one-more-gus… – 4:25 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
My newest Ben Simmons trade idea for ⁦@CertifiedBckts⁩: Trade Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Furkan Korkmaz to the Utah Jazz for Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles (hurt), Jordan Clarkson and first-round picks in 2026 & 2028. pic.twitter.com/i5pWsE18v7 – 4:23 PM

Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Nets come into Utah on a 6-game losing streak. Harden, Durant, Harris, Aldridge, Millsap, Duke all out for the Nets. – 2:10 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets guard James Harden (left hamstring tightness) is out tonight vs the #Jazz. – 2:02 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Brooklyn Nets say that James Harden will miss tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz because of left hamstring tightness – 2:01 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nets now say James Harden (left hamstring tightness) is out tonight vs. Jazz. Same issue that kept him out of Nuggets game last week. – 2:00 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Nets star James Harden (hamstring tightness) is out tonight against the Jazz. – 2:00 PM

Sarah Todd @NBASarah
James Harden will not play for the Nets tonight – 1:59 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets rule James Harden out for tonight’s game due to left hamstring tightness. – 1:59 PM

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Brooklyn Nets star James Harden (hamstring) is out tonight against the Utah Jazz, team says. – 1:59 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Nets are listing James Harden as out for tonight’s game vs. Utah. – 1:58 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Nets say James Harden is out tonight at Utah with left hamstring tightness. – 1:58 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Nets‘ James Harden is listed out tonight due to left hamstring tightness. – 1:58 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
New from me (though it likely won’t be a surprise):
Sources say it looks ‘increasingly likely’ Ben Simmons will not be traded before the deadline, based on what the Sixers are after and the offers currently on the table: phillyvoice.com/sources-ben-si… – 1:22 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
One of the most intriguing Ben Simmons trade ideas: Lu Dort for Simmons.
@Bill Simmons and @Rob Mahoney break it down: https://t.co/n7oWid6DXk pic.twitter.com/MR9j6eZg1f – 12:30 PM

More on this storyline

If Harden is in danger of actively sabotaging what the Nets want to build, as Charania reports here, the Sixers don’t believe they should have to give up more than a multi-time All-Star in Simmons to get a deal done before February 10th. “Brooklyn would love to get a 25-year old, multi-time All-Star who is under contract for multiple years in exchange for a guy who is unhappy and not under contract long term,” one source said. -via Philly Voice / February 4, 2022

It is still more likely, sources familiar with the situation say, that the Sixers complete a deal for Harden or a player of Harden’s caliber in the summer, rather than in the next six days. But the Sixers are, as they have been for months now, prepared to move quickly if they feel the right opportunity is on the table. As we reported earlier Friday, no player on the roster (save for Joel Embiid) is untouchable in trade talks, depending on the player(s) on offer. And the team has insisted for a while now that this is not a Harden-or-bust push, a claim they feel has been made for dubious reasons elsewhere. -via Philly Voice / February 4, 2022

If it’s not clear at this point, posturing is going to hit record highs over the next week. Take this as you will — as of Friday evening, team sources told PhillyVoice there has been no significant conversation between the Nets and Sixers regarding Harden, with Philadelphia viewing this latest report as a signal that they’re merely open for business -via Philly Voice / February 4, 2022