Report: Daryl Morey Intent on Keeping Simmons & Embiid

When the James Harden trade rumors emerged, one name that also popped up was Ben Simmons. If the Sixers were going to acquire the former MVP, they were going to have to part ways with their 24-year-old All-Star.

Recent reports have come out that Daryl Morey isn't sold on splitting up the All-Star duo he's inherited. Instead, he is working on adding a complementary piece to pair with them.

There are multiple players that Morey could be potentially trying to pair with Embiid and Simmons. Two names that stand out are Sacramento Kings' guard Buddy Hield and Chicago Bulls' guard Zach LaVine.

Since their introductory press conference, Morey and head coach Doc Rivers have spoken highly of Embiid and Simmons as a pair. Both of them came to Philadelphia to have the opportunity to work with the franchise cornerstones, so it is not surprising Morey isn't prepared to move on from Simmons.

Adding a complementary piece to the roster is going to no small task. If Morey wants to add a player like LaVine or Hield, he is going to need to find a partner to take on Al Horford and his contract.

Keeping the duo of Embiid and Simmons together is the right move for the Sixers. Doc Rivers should have a chance to coach them before there is any talk of splitting them up. Plus, Simmons is just starting his five-year extension. Moving a player who is locked up for that long isn't the best of moves.

When Daryl Morey was hired by the Sixers, trades were one thing people expected to follow. It will be fascinating to see what kind of moves he can pull off with the assets he has to work with.

Kevin McCormick is the 76ers insider for 97.3 ESPN and 76ers editor for Sportstalkphilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinMcC973.