Sources Explain Why James Harden Would Welcome New Scenery Next Season

The Philadelphia 76ers are asking a lot for Ben Simmons, and James Harden is interested in testing the open market this summer, which is affecting their asking price.

Harden has never been a free agent. Even if he goes to unrestricted free agency for the first time, he wants to return to the Nets.

According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Harden is invested in competing for the title in Brooklyn this season. League sources told Bleacher Report that Harden recently told several people of his interest in exploring other opportunities outside of Brooklyn this summer.

A person familiar with Harden said that James wouldn't hold back.

Harden has spoken to Nets figures and close contacts about his displeasure with Irving's part-time playing status. Harden will shoulder the majority of the offensive burden during Brooklyn home games because of a recent injury to Kevin Durant.

Sources told B/R that Steve Nash preferred hot-hand closing lineups over a fixed crunch-time unit.

His new city could be an issue. Harden has not enjoyed living in Brooklyn compared to his days as a central Houston magnate, according to multiple sources. Outside of the change in climate, the chasm between state taxes in New York and Texas is obvious.

There has been no trade request. A Nets-Sixers deal is not likely to happen before the deadline. The trade conversations for Simmons will be in the spotlight over the next three weeks. B/R noted a potential sign-and-trade for Simmons in December.

One of the few situations that could offer Harden a chance to capture the titles he desires would be teaming with Embiid in Philadelphia. Since his days with the Rockets, D Wade has three titles to his name, which is a self-imposed benchmark for Harden. Harden is known to have a relationship with Michael Rubin, who bought a minority share of the team in 2011.

Sources said that Philadelphia is not holding onto Simmons to acquire Harden. It seems that the front office of the 76ers and Harden are both looking at that potential marriage as a backstop for their futures. Philadelphia officials and executives are keeping an eye on Bradley Beal.

Brooklyn would need to be willing to participate in any sign-and-trade. Assuming Simmons can rediscover his All-Star form, the Nets would be hard-pressed to find a better return for Harden than Simmons. Simmons was the runner-up offer for Harden a year ago. The Philadelphia 76ers are willing to attach additional assets to acquire a player such as Harden.

According to league sources, Philadelphia has remained engaged with Atlanta and the Kings in the Simmons trade talks. Sources told B/R that the Hawks are not interested in acquiring Harris in order to land Simmons at this time, and have been searching for a third team to act as a trade partner.

Sources told B/R that the Hawks and Kings are both interested in Jerami Grant. Sources said that the Bulls have continued to explore ways to land Grant without sacrificing Patrick Williams.

Sources said that the Hawks have grown more active in their search for a new home for John Collins, and that Collins' salary works in a direct swap for Grant. Marvin Bagley III has drawn interest from Detroit, but the Kings have removed De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton from any trade discussions.

The NBA trade market is still in its infancy and executives are waiting for the first domino to fall. Simmons was recently labeled by one general manager as the linchpin of this deadline, but it seems as clear as ever that Philadelphia won't budge unless a rival offer can surpass a possibly bearded running mate for Embiid come July.