Sixers

Yet Another Ben Simmons Report

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Feb 7th, 2022 · 1:56 PM EST

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If you’re able to keep all of this Ben Simmons stuff straight, Shams Charania says the Nets and the Sixers are open to discussing a Simmons and James Harden deal before Thursday’s deadline.

However, Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne say Daryl Morey hasn’t spoken with Brooklyn GM Sean Marks in almost a month.

Then out of nowhere, here’s the Inquirer’s Keith Pompey saying that nothing is gonna happen:

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said on Jan. 20 that it’s “less likely than likely” that Simmons is moved prior to the deadline. A league source said Sunday that Simmons wouldn’t be moved at least until June’s NBA draft.

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(A) source added that Nets general manager Sean Marks and the Sixers haven’t had thorough discussions about a Simmons-for-Harden deal. However, the source noted both sides are going through back channels and third parties to get information.

“It’s the most bizarre thing,” the source said. “It’s almost as if they are playing a game of cat and mouse … because of all the tampering [implications].”

Yes, yes it is very bizarre. Less cat and mouse and more direct communication please. This is excruciating.

This whole thing is getting more ridiculous than the Bryce Harper watch of 2019. Remember all of that? Good God. That saga went on forever, and there was a different report or rumor every single day.

But wait, there’s more –

Per @JakeLFischer

Paul Reed and Isaiah Joe are the 76ers players most often mentioned as trade candidates by rival executives. pic.twitter.com/a0Zr77XQK3

— Sixers Nation (@PHLSixersNation) February 7, 2022

BBall Paul and Isaiah Joe for James Harden. Who says no?