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Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson
I still think it almost has to be Philly. Simmons is by far and away the best player they can get back in any Harden deal. It's just a matter of if Philly wants to make the deal. Morey has apparently said they don't want to trade Simmons and they want to keep him and Embiid together, but I feel like that's just posturing so they don't give up picks or whatever.
It's a no-brainer for Houston, but for Philly it's tricky. From a pure talent and X's an O's perspective, I feel like you almost have to get Harden if you can. He's still a top 5 or 6 player and I think he would fit with Embiid far better than Simmons... in theory. The problem is Harden's personality. Is he going to burn out with Embiid the same way he did with Howard, Paul, and Westbrook? And of course he's a lot older than Simmons, so even if he gives you a better chance at a title, the window is also shorter.
If I were running the Sixers I probably would make the trade because I really don't think Embiid and Simmons will ever win a title together, and I think Harden and Embiid might. But I would offer nothing of value outside of Simmons. No picks or any players that I actually like. Simmons + salary filler and that's it. If the Rockets won't take that deal, then they can trade Harden somewhere else for a bunch of protected picks and so-so young players that aren't near Simmons' level.
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What is the rule about for signing extensions during a season? Can Harden sign an extension as part of a trade agreement with Philly? Because I wouldn't even trade Simmons for Harden straight if I don't get an extension inked. And honestly I think Embiid would loathe playing with Harden. Embiid will not love watching Harden dribble the air out of the ball.
I totally agree Simmons and Embiid don't fit but I also think if I was looking for a star to pair with Embiid I'd rather go for like a Dame Lillard if he was available(since he isn't now I would hold serve and wait for a better option than a disgruntled Harden). Or strangely enough if I wanted to move on from Embiid I'd work out a package with Utah and getting Gobert just because he needs the ball less and might open up some more control for Simmons. Utah would need to give me more than just Gobert and I would need to add some firepower because I'm not a Tobias Harris fan.
It's weird because Harden is undeniably a better player than Embiid or Simmons but I wouldn't want to build around him at all.