James Harden's trade request throws uncertainty around Ben Simmons' future with 76ers

The NBA season might be just two weeks away but a blockbuster trade could make things very interesting with Australian superstar Ben Simmons likely to find his name in the mix.

It was revealed this morning (AEDT) that Houston Rockets star James Harden, who requested a trade to Brooklyn at the beginning of this year's free agency, has now flagged an interest in being moved to Philadelphia according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Harden today arrived back in Houston ahead of the 2020-21 season after he was seen partying in Atlanta and Las Vegas when he was meant to back with the basketball organisation for pre-season training commitments, which left team officials at the time unsure whether he would actually come back to the squad.

With $132.9 million (AUD$179m) and three years remaining on his current contract, it's understood the 2018 MVP winner is seeking a move to a championship contender after failing to reach the NBA Finals in eight seasons with the Rockets.

Should the Rockets agree to move Harden to Simmons' 76ers, the trade package could get interesting.

Although the prospect of Harden teaming up with Simmons and All-Star big-man Joel Embiid in Philadelphia sounds exciting, Houston have made it known they won't trade their superstar guard without "a young franchise cornerstone" as part of a trade package in return according to Wojnarowski.

The Rockets are also seeking draft picks and players on rookie contracts in return, along with the high-asking price of a future star.

With Simmons, 24, entering the first season of a five-year, $169.5 million (AUD$228m) contract extension and Embiid, 26, having three seasons to go with $94.7 million (AUD$128m) remaining, not only would the salaries match to execute a trade, but a swap for either star could be the asking price to land Harden.

The two teams are yet to formally begin any trade discussion but it's hard to imagine Houston not mentioning either Simmons or Embiid as part of a package.

Assuming Philadelphia want to form a big-three and keep hold of both Simmons and Embiid, it's likely a third-team would need to come to the trade table which could prove tricky with most teams now focusing on getting ready for the season, which starts on December 23.