James Harden opts in deal, 76ers Working To Find a Trade

According to multiple reports, James Harden is opting into his $35.6 million player option, and the two sides will work together to find a trade. Many people expected Harden to return to the Sixers on a multi-year deal, so this outcome has come as somewhat of a surprise.

A sign and trade was always the best option for the Sixers when it came to Harden this offseason. Being able to get assets in return, while also not having Harden locked in long term is a huge win. Harden has been inconsistent in the playoffs, including coming up small in the team’s biggest games. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, “The 76ers made it clear throughout the process that the franchise did not see a long-term future with Harden.” Giving Harden a contract extension would have been a mistake, and the fact that the team is moving on should be a positive development for Sixers fans. The team needs consistency, and he was far from that.

In terms of where James Harden may go there have been a few early suitors reported. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN “the Clippers and Knicks are expected to be among teams that’ll engage with the Sixers on a potential James Harden trade.” At first glance, the Knicks roster does not have many intriguing trade pieces besides Jalen Brunson, who we know would likely not be available. Other options from the Knicks are Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. The Clippers would be the team that has the best possible assets to receive back in Paul George and Norman Powell. The Sixers need to make sure that whoever they get back will keep their championship window open. As long as Embiid is here, they need to be all in for a title.

NBA’s free agency period starts tomorrow June 30th at 6pm.