It’s time for your Ben Simmons rumor of the day.

This one comes from Keith Pompey at the Inquirer, who penned a story titled James Harden or bust? Sources indicate the Sixers are all-in even if it means prolonging the Ben Simmons saga. And when I say “penned,” I mean he actually typed it on a computer:

James Harden or bust? That’s the feeling around the NBA as the 76ers search for ways to end the Ben Simmons saga.

“At the end of the day, it’s Harden all the way,” said a league source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They want Harden whether they get him now, whether they get him on a forced sign-and-trade this summer.”

according to sources, Harden and his camp have maintained a close relationship with Morey. In addition, Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin is also tight with Harden and his friends. The groups still interact, sources say.

Harden’s close friend and rapper Lil Baby was even on hand when Rubin, Meek Mill and the Sixers hosted 25 youths from the Philadelphia area before their Dec. 15 game against the Miami Heat.

Interesting. Could LIL BABY be the key to the Simmons deal? It’s kind of like Princess Ciri in The Witcher. The fate of the Philadelphia basketball team could possibly center on mutual friendships involving a rapper. Lil Baby could perhaps be the conduit to the Larry O’Brien trophy. You never know. There’s never a dull moment in the NBA.

Regardless, there’s a lot of James Harden smoke out there, but is there fire? Conspiracy theorists believe Daryl Morey is pulling strings behind the scenes here, trying to force traction now, but it’s hard to say. The NBA is rife with obfuscation and complication. Markelle Fultz was on to something when he said that “you really can’t trust no one.” (except Ball Sack Sports, perhaps)

There’s more in the Pompey story that you’ll probably want to read. February 10th is the trade deadline, so we’re now 16 days away.