NBA Trades: 3 potential James Harden for Ben Simmons trade packages

NBA Trades: 3 potential Simmons-Harden trade packages – Curry/Thybulle

Initially, we’ll start with a trade package that the Brooklyn Nets would likely prefer the most – a deal centered around Ben Simmons for James Harden with the Philadelphia 76ers that also includes additional assets.

After sacrificing a haul of draft compensation and youthful assets to acquire James Harden from the Rockets last season, the Nets would want a similar haul if Harden were to be offloaded again. This package from the Sixers would certainly match that value.

Ben Simmons is a 25-year-old, defensive-minded star, Matisse Thybulle is another young prospect that’s already an elite defensive weapon, and Seth Curry is a terrific role player who is an experienced sharpshooter. All three assets would be valuable boosts to a Brooklyn team that needs to upgrade its defense and shooting corps.

If or when the Nets and Sixers engage in dialogue about a possible blockbuster trade, this type of return is what Brooklyn should initially request in exchange for the services of Harden. It would make sense for the organization’s schemes, timelines, and the salaries would match.

However, the Sixers might feel that they’re giving up too much in this scenario. Philly values Matisse Thybulle to the extent that it would seem unlikely to see them willing to include the 24-year-old. They feel the same about sophomore guard Tyrese Maxey.

Therefore, it would be extremely difficult to convince the Sixers to attach Thybulle in a Ben Simmons package, even if it means receiving a perennial superstar like Harden in the process.

Nevertheless, if Philadelphia is open to including Matisse Thybulle and Seth Curry in a deal for James Harden, this trade package headlining Simmons would certainly be a realistic possibility leading up to the deadline.