The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pursue a trade for Brooklyn Nets star James Harden ahead of the NBA trade deadline, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
Brooklyn is reportedly open to discussing a deal that would include Ben Simmons coming in return, Charania added. Both teams are expected to pursue trade talks this week despite the Nets not showing any desire to move Harden before the deadline.
Harden has a $47.4-million player option for the 2022-23 season, meaning he could still opt into staying in Brooklyn but is reportedly open to relocation this summer. Declining the player option would allow Harden to hit the open market while in his prime, allowing him to pursue what would almost certainly be a lucrative long-term deal.
Charania reports that multiple role players like Seth Curry, Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle could be added to a potential package for Harden.
The Nets guard has been out of action with left hamstring tightness and is averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 assists and seven rebounds so far this season. Simmons has not suited up for a single game with the 76ers this season.
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