“We are in the deal zone” Brian Windhorst hints on Ben Simmons-James Harden trade being underway
Follow Us
James Harden and Ben Simmons
As the trade deadline fast approaches, teams do have the tendency to keep deals under the radar and then shock the world with the news right after the end of the period. There have been numerous signings as such in the recent past that have been revealed at the last moment.
Talks of swapping Ben Simmons for James Harden have been one of the biggest to have emerged this season. Harden has been in such situations formerly with the Houston Rockets during he claimed he was unhappy with the team and wanted to leave them to join the Brooklyn Nets. It was not until later that the deal was finalized and revealed to the public.
Both teams have said they wish to keep their respective players
The Brooklyn Nets staff have all openly denied having any sort of interest in trading James Harden. According to Head Coach Steve Nash, the front office has not shown any signs of interest nor have they even given the idea a thought. Sean Marks had apparently received an offer from Sixers general manager Daryl Morey to which he gave a straight “no” for an answer.
The Beard on the other hand has spoken to his teammates and many people around the league saying that he wishes to test free agency in pursuit of a better deal. His “half” commitment to the team puts the Nets in a tough situation if they fail to capture the title this season. Nets forwards Kevin Durant believes that Harden is willing to work it out with the rest of the team.
The situation over in Philadelphia is much different. While Harden still sees himself with the team for the foreseeable future and is actively playing for the Nets squad, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons is yet to make an appearance this season due to personal reasons.
Sources around the league have mentioned the Sixers staff making efforts to motivate Simmons to play with the team but the players have not reciprocated. Likewise many also believe that the young superstar will not be a 76er by the end of this season. The front office has made attempts in finding Simmons a new environment but other teams have not agreed to comply with their offers.
Ben Simmons and James Harden may be swapped after all
A writer for the Sixers and reported for USA Today, Austin Krell tweeted quoting NBA insider Brian Windhorst who said, “We are in the deal zone between Harden and Simmons.” Often times if you hear about a potential trade being in the talks, from an insider, the chances are the deal will take place. According to Krell, such scenarios have taken place on multiple occasions.
The tweet further read, “I suspect they are gonna get it done. I can’t tell you they are gonna get it done, But it’s trending in that direction,” said Windhorst. It is obvious that there is much more than what was given and the chances are the trade might after all happen.
For the Sixers, they have been on the hunt for a player of Harden’s caliber to suit up alongside Joel Embiid making the team much scarier and full of potential. On the other hand, the Nets would receive a downgrade from Harden but definitely ups their ball facilitation and defense.
Stay Updated!
Rakibul John Rodgers
(1258 Articles Published)