The Houston Rockets are looking to win an NBA title and the same goes for the Philadelphia 76ers so the teams are likely to make the moves in the offseason that will give them a better shot next season. One proposed trade deal between the two involve superstars James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons changing shirts.
Yet before discussion on the stars can get a move on, the Sixers are expected to consider the possibility of hiring Mike D'Antoni, who will not be returning as Rockets head coach in December. To be sure, Philadelphia will want D'Antoni on their side for his coaching skills but reports are suggesting he could bring more to the Sixers' fence.
It's quite possible that D'Antoni can convince Harden to join him in Philadelphia, Fadeaway World reported, picking up from the information shared by NBC Sports' John Clark.
"I'm hearing one of the reasons along with coaching that Sixers have a lot of interest in Mike D'Antoni is feeling with some in organization that he could help lure James Harden to Philly," Clark was reported as saying.
Harden will not be a free agent until 2022 but Clark said the likelihood of trading the former MVP away is a reality shaping up in Houston. The team is expected to implement a mini-rebuild in the offseason and a proposal on Harden could be considered seriously by the front office, that is if a tempting offer could be put together by the Sixers.
For a good start, Philadelphia looking to get a hold on Harden must be willing to see the exit of Embiid or Simmons. If the Sixers would be bold enough to make drastic changes on the lineup and ready to see one of their main men go, the same is expected of Houston.
Clutch Points said that in the immediate aftermath of the playoffs, it's easy to see that Houston is a team in transition. And GM Daryl Morey is known for his aggressiveness in implementing plans, and that could see the organization releasing both Harden and Russell Westbrook.
It is not a remote possibility that Morey will listen to what Sixers have to offer. The GM might be forward-looking at this point and Philadelphia giving him the perfect goods will do the trick. The Houston exec will likely be tempted to let go of Harden or Westbrook in exchange for a younger star, and that could be Embiid or Simmons.
It would help too if draft considerations are on the table as well. Harden looking elsewhere to win an NBA title is reality dawning on the Rockets and the Sixers would do well taking advantage of such a circumstance.
