Report: Rockets expand Harden trade talks, Morey says 76ers won't deal Simmons

The Houston Rockets have expanded trade discussions regarding James Harden to various teams beyond his preferred destinations, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.

Previous reports have stated Harden is primarily interested in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, or Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers have shown a willingness to include Ben Simmons in a package for Harden, according to Wojnarowski and Shelburne, but Houston and Philadelphia have reportedly not come close to a deal.

However, 76ers president Daryl Morey denied Simmons was on the block Thursday. "We are not trading Ben Simmons - he is an important part of our future," Morey told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Multiple playoff-caliber clubs told ESPN they are "finding increased comfort in committing high-level trade assets" in talks to acquire the former NBA MVP. The Rockets are in communication with Harden about those talks.

While Houston has said it plans to begin the regular season with the three-time scoring champion, the franchise is exhibiting a desire to complete a trade as soon as possible, sources told Wojnarowski and Shelburne.

Some organizations have said they are less reluctant about trading for Harden without an assurance he would re-sign with them when his current contract expires. The 31-year-old has a $47.3-million player option for 2022-23.