This year, one of the biggest fish in the free agency market seems to hint about his current team. James Harden is reportedly not going to exercise his player option and is planning on leaving the Sixers altogether next season. After a disappointing 2023 playoff run, Harden could be looking for a new team and a brand-new contract. With that kind of rumor, there have been talks of Harden as probably a new member of these teams next season. Which teams do you think could it be?
1) Houston Rockets
The rumor that James Harden could make another run with his former team has been going around the league for a long time now. Harden, who played for the Rockets from 2013 to 2021, was among the most lethal scorers in the NBA. He was very unstoppable in his prime, and only a few could guard his infamous stepback jumper.
The Rockets could trade the No. 4 pick, per @MikeAScotto
“With Houston preparing to make an aggressive push to sign James Harden this summer, rival NBA executives believe this pick will be used as trade bait as the Rockets look to take a significant step forward next season.” pic.twitter.com/eqWkRLML4t
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 17, 2023
According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, James Harden is very serious about returning to Houston. The Rockets currently have a talented young core, but they can’t win games in a stacked Western Conference. They are building around Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun but lack a veteran presence on the floor and in the locker room. With Ime Udoka now the new head coach, it could be a good 2023-2024 season for Rockets fans.
2) Phoenix Suns
A Kevin Durant and James Harden reunion in Phoenix? Well, we’ve seen the sour ending in their time together in Brooklyn, but Phoenix is reportedly one of the top destinations for Harden in free agency.
James Harden reportedly interested in joining the Suns with Kevin Durant & Devin Booker 👀 pic.twitter.com/qHDToK2CMC
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 17, 2023
The Suns may look to sign the 33-year-old star guard, but Harden may ask for a hefty contract. There are reports that the real cause why he wants out of Philadelphia is because he will be exploring teams that are willing to give him 4-year max contracts. Can the Phoenix Suns afford him with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on board? The Valley is also seemingly looking to shop Chris Paul out of Phoenix, so they may be able to make some space.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Even though Harden reportedly opted out of his player option year, the Philadelphia 76ers could still entice The Beard to stay with them.
Aside from losing in the semifinal round against the Boston Celtics, this Sixers team looked pretty solid. The Harden-Embiid duo is beautiful to watch, but it did not translate to winning. Regardless, the organization may want to match other teams’ offers for Harden in July, when free agency begins. Head coach Doc Rivers had just been fired. And rumor has it that James Harden and Doc Rivers no longer want to work with each other. Could this be a turning point for The Beard?
Will we see James Harden in another uniform next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times.
Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications. Stay posted and never miss an update from video games, cinema, and sports. Follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest PS5 restock and drop. Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Gaming!
