Morey: ‘We Are Not Trading Ben Simmons’

Reports have surfaced that the Sixers “signaled a willingness” to include Ben Simmons in a deal involving Houston Rockets star guard James Harden.

However it didn't take long for Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey to shoot down those reports, saying: "we are not trading Ben Simmons."

So the cat and mouse game begins.

Which side do you believe? The reports or the Sixers?

It wasn't just Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reported the Sixers would be willing to move Simmons, it was also ESPN's respected NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski and NBA reporter Ramona Shelburne.

The Sixers and Morey have been consistent with their message since he got here from Houston, that they have no plans to move Simmons or Joel Embiid and want to see what the duo can do with the new coaching staff.

They rumored deal isn't just a Simmons for Harden straight up, there is a lot more involved from a Sixers standpoint. They deal would also reportedly need to start with the Sixers giving up Simmons, Matisse Thybulle and three first-round picks.

So would you even entertain giving up just Simmons for Harden?

Harden averaged 34.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, Simmons is one of the top open-court players in the game, just inked a five-year contract extension, and is one of the best defenders in the NBA.

They are definitely two different type of players.