Breaking: The Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading for James Harden and Jerami Grant. Who should the 76ers pursue first?
In the last 24 hours, it was revealed that Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers had targeted 30 players, which included James Harden and Jerami Grant. While the other 28 names are unknown, the 76ers have already discussed with the Detroit Pistons in hopes of trading for Grant while keeping close relations with Harden and his future with the Brooklyn Nets. Due to Harden not signing an extension with the Nets, a potential reunion of Harden and Morey could be an idea brewing in Philadelphia.
The 76ers have already spoken with the Pistons in regards to making a trade. According to a piece by Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, it was revealed that the Pistons initiated a potential trade package in which the 76ers refused. Players such as Saddiq Bey and Kelly Olynyk were names mentioned in a potential trade centered around Grant but was later declined by the 76ers. If this report is accurate and if Morey was not as stingy of a general manager as he is, the 76ers would have acquired three bright players that would have fit perfectly alongside Joel Embiid and the rest of the 76ers roster.
Once again, Morey has missed out on a solid opportunity to upgrade the 76ers roster. If the Pistons and 76ers came to a mutual agreement, the following trade would have most likely happened.
76ers receive- Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey and Kelly Olynyk
Pistons receive- Ben Simmons and Danny Green
The 76ers missed out on an opportunity to improve their starting rotation and add depth with players such as Bey and Olynyk, most likely coming off the bench. Philadelphia’s proposed starting five would have been Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry, Jerami Grant, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. Their bench rotation consisted of Shake Milton, Saddiq Bey, Kelly Olynyk, Andre Drummond, Matisse Thybulle and Furkan Korkmaz. Upon reflection, the 76ers would have had one of the deepest rotations in the NBA and would be heavy favourites in making the NBA finals! Despite this trade almost being a no-brainer to accept from the 76ers, another factor should have been considered before Morey abruptly declined the Pistons offer.
James Harden is currently entering this off-season as an unrestricted free agent with a player option. Depending on how this season unfolds, Harden has the opportunity to either sign his player option with the Nets or enter free agency as an unrestricted player. This means that Harden can sign anywhere without the Nets interfering. The 76ers and many other organizations are closely paying attention to Harden’s current situation with the Brooklyn Nets. Despite his early struggles this season, Harden is a superstar that will eventually learn to adapt and evolve his game!
Why is this relevant to the 76ers? By making a trade for Jerami Grant, the 76ers long-term save money and would have an opportunity to sign Harden if he chooses to test free agency. The 76ers would have to trade other contracts to successfully sign Harden; trading away Jerami Grant’s 20 million dollar contract in the off-season is much easier than trading for Simmons’s 35 million dollar contract! While Tobias Harris would most likely be on the trading block with Grant, both players are impact players that would immediately help an opposing team build a winning identity in the NBA.
Despite the 76ers declining the Piston’s offer, they still have a chance to rectify their mistake as the Pistons were rumoured to have offered this package and not the 76ers. The 76ers benefit short-term and potentially long-term if they successfully swindle Harden to Philadelphia by completing this trade. Harden has been aggressive and passionate about playing for an organization competent enough to win a championship. If the 76ers can successfully sign Harden in this upcoming off-season, expect Philadelphia to be title contenders again while watching the Brooklyn Nets crumble and fall with Kevin Durant. This might be the best opportunity for Morey to make as the ball is officially in his court when it comes to this exchange.