Bill Simmons, Kevin O’Connor, and Jackie McMullen released a trade watch podcast and of course they led off with the Ben Simmons for James Harden topic:

Initial reaction: 

via Twitter

A more thought-out and nuanced reaction: 

Seth Curry should not hold up a deal for James Harden, in my opinion. The only player other than Joel Embiid that you should even think twice about is Tyrese Maxey. I guess I’m just not as down on Harden as Jackie McMullen is. I know the $47 million option next year is daunting. I know the “Harden Rules” have cut into his game offensively this season. I know Philly sports radio is going to absolutely crucify him after back-to-back bad games during a meaningless February stretch and he’s spotted at the club. I don’t care because I I don’t think this team is good enough to get to the Eastern Conference Finals the way it currently stands. Danny Green’s hamstrings are cooked. They’re going to look like limp wet noodles by May. Tobias Harris has stepped up the last two weeks, but he’s never had a memorable performance in the playoffs. Doc’s rotations make absolutely zero sense as seen in the Mavericks game late in the 4th. Might as well just try to outscore teams. With Bradley Beal and Dame Lillard off the table until they request a trade you pull the trigger for Harden. Which brings me to my next point…

No one is talking about the fact that the Sixers are going to shoot 50 free throws a game with Embiid and Harden on the court together. Teams are going to be so out of their comfort zone. Imagine all of the complaining to refs after Embiid completes his 10th successful rip through of the night and Harden flails while getting to the cup. Adam Silver will be dishing out $25k fines after press conferences like they’re candy. Wherever charity all the fine money in the NBA goes to will be operating like Fortune 500 company. Philadelphia will take on the “Nobody likes us…” role. We’ll embrace being the villain. It won’t matter if Harden is in shape or not when all he has to do is walk to the foul line.