Windhorst: 'I've Heard' Ben Simmons Available; Morey's Denial 'Not Credible'

Despite Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey denying any trade talks surrounding Ben Simmons, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the All-Star could still be moved.

"Daryl Morey in my view ... he is not credible with what he says publicly about his trade intentions," Windhorst said Monday on The Hoop Collective podcast (10:02). "So he comes out the other day and says 'we're not going to trade Ben Simmons.' I do not find that credible."

"I've heard myself that Ben Simmons is available," Windhorst added.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic initially reported that the 76ers could trade Simmons in a package for James Harden, although Morey denied it.

"We are not trading Ben Simmons—he is an important part of our future," Morey said.

Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN also reported the 76ers have "signaled a willingness" to include Simmons in a deal for Harden, but a deal isn't close.

It's rare for a 24-year-old two-time All-Star to become available in any trades, although the potential to land Harden complicates the situation.

The Houston Rockets star is one of the best players in the NBA, with eight All-Star selections, one MVP award and three straight scoring titles heading into this season. He also has plenty of history with Morey, who initially brought the guard to Houston and was the team's general manager until stepping down this offseason.

As an elite perimeter scorer, Harden might also be a better fit for Philadelphia alongside center Joel Embiid, as Simmons has just two made three-pointers in his NBA career.

The 76ers could stick with their current core and hope new head coach Doc Rivers and offseason additions like Danny Green and Seth Curry are enough to help them make a deeper run in the playoffs.

But it still appears as though Morey is considering his options, at least privately.