Sixers, Nets Are Reportedly in ‘Deal Zone’ for James Harden, Ben Simmons Trade

Is the Ben Simmons drama coming to an end?

Discussions between Philly and Brooklyn regarding a Ben Simmons-James Harden trade seem to be progressing. The 2022 NBA trade deadline is almost here, and there are sure to be plenty more Sixers updates until then.

There’s some interesting new information on how things are progressing from Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, who reported that Philly and Brooklyn have “engaged” in trade talks:

“Multiple sources said the Nets and Sixers engaged in trade discussions Tuesday and bickered over pieces to add to a potential deal.”

Pompey added that members of the Nets are split on whether they should keep Harden past the deadline:

Publicly, the Nets say they want to keep Harden for the rest of the season. However, sources say they’re split behind closed door. Some want to get rid of him now, thinking that he’s quit on the team and is destroying the chemistry. Harden has publicly told his teammates, coaches and team personnel that he wants to stay in Brooklyn. However, word keeps leaking out that he wants to play for the Sixers.

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Will the Sixers trade Tobias Harris to the Thunder? Or is the chatter a ploy to put pressure on the Nets? https://t.co/eKubxPfC1L via @phillyinquirer

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) February 9, 2022

Brian Windhorst came in with even stronger wording on ESPN’s Get Up, saying that he suspects a Harden-Simmons trade gets done.

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“We are in the deal zone between Harden and Simmons,” per @WindhorstESPN on @GetUpESPN

“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.”

— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) February 9, 2022

We’re in the “deal zone” now, folks. The deadline is just over a day away, but plenty can change between now and Thursday’s 3pm ET deadline.

Let’s hope this gets done.

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