Report: Sixers have “made Ben Simmons available” in some packages for former MVP James Harden

Maybe things between the Houston Rockets and 76ers are heating up regarding a blockbuster trade. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Philly has actually included Ben Simmons in some trade packages already for former MVP, James Harden. Clearly, those deals have not come to fruition, but if the Sixers are willing to offer Simmons up in any deal, it would signify a change from the current status quo we’ve heard that they are not willing to deal either superstar Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons. What has the other titan of the NBA reporting industry, Adrian Wojnarowski, recently added on the matter?

So for one moment let’s assume both reports are true. If so, that might suggest the Sixers have offered Simmons for Harden, but nothing has occurred...YET.

If that’s the case, it might lend validity to this report, per Yaron Weitzman:

Perhaps the Sixers are willing to swap stars, but unwilling to kick in additional assets, and as such, what Adrian Wojnarowski is saying is true, both teams are currently nowhere near a deal.

There have been plenty of reports swirling lately about how James Harden has enjoyed preferential treatment and his party life lately in Houston; so much so that it’s difficult to tell if the market for him is actually thin, or if teams are frantically leaking anti Harden content in order to drive the asking price down for one of the best offensive players of all time.

What do you think?

Update: Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has responded to these rumors with a comment of his own, per Shams Charania: