There were expectations that the Philadelphia 76ers would be trading James Harden this season. However, the 33-year-old professional basketball player has opted into his contract for the 2023-24 season and seems likely that he will remain with the Sixers.
Dave McMenimen Reveals James Harden’s 2023-24 NBA Plans
Journalist Dave McMenimen revealed on The Dan Patrick Show, that according to some insider “folks” Harden will be staying with Sixers.
“I was speaking to a bunch of folks about this Sunday evening. The signals right now is that he will be back with the Philadelphia 76ers.”
“As of right now, with certainly no momentum appearing on a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia obviously still needing what he does without finding a replacement for him, it looks like there’s a pathway for him to come back to the Sixers next year.”
On the other hand, Dave Favale of the Bleacher Report suggests that the LA Clippers could make a trade deal for James Harden and make good use of him.
“The Clippers could bristle at surrendering two firsts and a nifty small-ball weapon in Martin. But let’s not forget Harden spent last season on the fringes of the All-NBA discussion. Even going on 34, the dude can hoop. And L.A. is built to both insulate him on defense and preserve him on offense. Bagging him without giving up Mann, Nicolas Batum or Norman Powell is an absolute win.”
Despite the fact that Harden has expressed his intention to be traded, it seems like the NBA player will likely continue his season with the Philadelphia 76ers. NBA insider, Ramona Shelburne shared an update with ESPN about Harden’s decision to be traded.
“I don’t think they’re close on anything. James Harden has spoken to Daryl Morey since the first trade request, and I think there was a cooling off period… They’ve spoken again, and [Harden] still reiterated he wants to be traded. Now, this isn’t a demand, it’s a request. I think the Sixers have said, okay we will try to trade you, but there is no hurry to do this. I think the Sixers understand here that they have the leverage. James has picked up his option, this is an opt-in… He’s going to be a free agent, so at some point he needs to play, whether that’s in Philadelphia or elsewhere.”
She continued to state that James Harden got upset since the Sixers didn’t communicate anything to the 33-year-old regarding an extension.
“Oh, I’ll just be clear with you. [James Harden] felt betrayed like he felt like he was going to get a max extension from them either last year, then decided okay I’ll leave some money on the table. Then this year when they were not communicating with him before free agency. Because they had the largest fight in tampering fine in NBA history. But you know generally speaking, there wasn’t any wink or nod or anything saying we’re going to take care of you, he got upset. And that’s why he opted in rather than let it play out and let him reach a free agency and do the extension.”
If James Harden were to depart from the Sixers, he is most likely to play for the LA Clippers. Philadelphia 76ers are clearly not in a hurry to trade Harden since they have yet to compete in the championship and will require Harden’s skills to get there. Harden clearly wants a max contract from the Sixers, who seem to be in no rush to give him one. “The Beard” has led the NBA in assists per game for the second time this year.
