Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey got his man trading for James Harden. However, the 76ers star player center Joel Embiid may have had someone else in mind prior to the Harden trade
According to the Ringer’s founder Bill Simmons, Embiid campaigned for Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal.
“Part of the reason the trade stuff took so long was because there was the Sixers side that wanted Harden—obviously Daryl [Morey], because Harden is his guy. But Embiid really wanted Beal because he felt like he was a better fit and was pushing, pushing, pushing.”
There was no secret that Beal was on the Sixers short wish list to trade for as they looked to end the Ben Simmons saga. Josh Robbins and David Aldridge of The Athletic reported earlier this month, the hold up was Philadelphia’s unwillingness to include their pair of blooming young studs Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle.
Ultimately, Morey felt Harden presented the best trade for Philadelphia. The 76ers included Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round draft picks along with Ben Simmons for Harden and veteran Paul Milsap.
Seemingly a hefty trade. But, Morey was able to keep Maxey and Thybulle. It appears as if that’s something he wouldn’t have been able to do in order to trade for Beal.
There are some concerns about Harden and Embiid fitting together on the court. Maybe Embiid himself had them because if it was left up to him. Beal would be in Philadelphia instead.
Harden will make his 76ers debut Friday. Philadelphia is considered a serious contender in the East. Meanwhile, Beal is out following season-ending wrist surgery.
