The Philadelphia 76ers had a disappointing 2019-20 NBA season. The front office added former Celtics’ big Al Horford to bolster the roster led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

On paper, it seemed like Philly could seriously mount a real challenge in the East; however, the 76ers just didn’t fit. The owners have brought in Houston Rockets’ former GM Daryl Morey in addition to the former coach to the Los Angeles Clippers, Doc Rivers.

Morey has already started making moves. They brought in one of the best shooters in Seth Curry for Al Horford and 36th pick.  He then traded the 34th pick and Al Horford to sign 3-time NBA champion Danny Green from Thunder.

How these moves might be a prelude to Harden’s trade

Making all these moves might be a big set up to trade for the 8-time All-Star James Harden. Harden has demanded a trade from the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are reluctant to give up their star and are only willing to let him go if they receive a young star.

The 76ers have a questionable fit in Simmons and Embiid. Their recent moves have chopped $11.3 million off their payroll. They can trade Ben Simmons, their draft pick Tyrese Maxey, along with multiple first-round picks for James Harden.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons in his podcast said, “I am looking at the Harden thing now and alright if they are making a move for Harden and it’s a Ben Simmons package and then you put Ferguson and Maxi in there, Zaire Smith and as many firsts and swaps as it takes to get it done.

“I don’t know what that exact number would be and you bring Harden in and now it’s Harden with Seth Curry, [Joel] Embiid, Danny Green and it’s just a bunch of shooters or whatever, that makes sense to me.”

Morey won’t be putting up multiple shooters for the first time, though. Traditionally centers have thrived under Doc Rivers’ coaching. He can help Joel Embiid reach the next level. Rivers also has a treasure trove of experience in the NBA and can surely build a cohesive side.

The Nets might be interested in Harden but do not have the right players to trade. If the 76ers can trade for a superstar like Harden, they will instantly become an enormous threat to the Brooklyn Nets to be the best in the East.