The Philadelphia 76ers will have their eyes set on Brooklyn Nets star James Harden as it does appear that they have a shot at The Beard even before the deadline rather than waiting for the offseason.
On the flip side, it doesn’t mean that they won’t look at other possibilities. At the forefront of the talks will be Ben Simmons who has yet to play for the Sixers now 51 games into the season. Philadelphia is looking to unload him after he requested his trade in the offseason.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a team that has been involved often on a Simmons deal and they now may be willing to take on Tobias Harris as well in a possible deal to get it done.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and The Stadium:
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also remained in conversations with the 76ers, but are unwilling to meet Philadelphia’s high threshold for draft picks. Minnesota has indicated an openness to discussing a package that includes Simmons and Tobias Harris, sources said, but that offer would not come with draft capital from the Timberwolves and the 76ers do not view both players as part of a salary dump trade. The gulf in perspective is why there hasn’t been much traction so far.
The Sixers and the Timberwolves could be involved in a deal, but with the lack of draft capital coming back to Philadelphia, it is unlikely that a deal between the two teams happens. It would help to get off of Harris’ contract, but if the Sixers can grab Harden for Simmons, then they should go after the star talent from the Brooklyn Nets.
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