On December 15th, there will be a number of big contracts around the NBA becoming trade eligible. The Sixers of course, are the main focus in conversations with Ben Simmons trade rumors. 

According to a report from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer today, front office executives around the league are hearing some buzz around James Harden’s name in connection with the 76ers yet again. 

Here’s a quote from his report, which you can read here. Of course, this is just speculation and another possibility to keep an eye on tomorrow when contracts open up. However, as with everything else over the past seven months regarding Ben Simmons, nothing seems imminent.

“If a strong enough deal for Simmons never comes Philadelphia’s way this season, there have been ongoing whispers about a free-agency sign-and-trade for Simmons that would allow Harden to join forces with Embiid, and rejoin Daryl Morey.“

Harden declined a contract extension earlier this year with Brooklyn so obviously, he would be a top target in a Ben Simmons trade for the Sixers.

Throughout all the trade rumors and Ben Simmons drama, the 76ers remain adamant on receiving an All-Star player in return, which is a good thing. Morey has been strong on his stance that the Sixers will not move Ben Simmons for anything less than equal or greater value in return. 

Harden would obviously be an amazing haul in a package for Ben Simmons. There are other rumors circulating about the Kings and what they are willing to get rid of, as well as a potential rebuild happening in Indiana with the Pacers. 

The 76ers continue to struggle without Simmons available. Joel Embiid has all the weight on his shoulders and without him in the lineup, we get performances like last night against the Memphis Grizzlies from the rest of the 76ers team. 

Still, there’s a strong possibility that Ben Simmons will not be moved this season. James Harden on an expiring contract and declining a contract extension one of many examples why the Sixers may hold onto Simmons until the end of the year. Bradley Beal has already said that his future is up in the air with the Washington Wizards and is also on an expiring contract.

Point being, Sixers fans should be ready to accept the fact that the Simmons saga might continue until big name players like Harden and Beal are available at the end of the year. Daryl Morey told us to “buckle up” on 97.5 earlier this season.

Still, we are just sitting around and waiting for something, if anything to happen with Simmons so we can finally get rid of him. The sooner the better.