It seems to be over between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. According to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski, the player has exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season.
As a consequence, the next step will be definitely a trade as Harden didn’t consider declining the option to become a free agent. Furthermore, the information points out that the star player never even thought in a new deal with Philadelphia.
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So, in what should be a major move in the NBA, James Harden is officially on the trading block. The guard is 33-years old and arrived to the Sixers on February of 2022. Now, another change of team is on the way.
James Harden: Where will he be traded by the Sixers?
The decision by James Harden is very intriguing as he could have easily chosen to stay with the Sixers looking into new a four-year contract. The amount of money would have surpassed $200 million.
Nevertheless, when both parts realized this long-term solution wasn’t the best, they started to work together in the alternative. By exercising his option, the Clippers and the Knicks have become favorites to land Harden in a blockbuster trade.
As it’s happening with many players around the league, like Bradley Beal with the Suns or Chris Paul going to the Warriors, the NBA stars have established as a priority joining contenders. That’s why, though the Houston Rockets could be a possibility, Los Angeles and New York are much stronger options.
For example, if James Harden joins the Clippers, it will be a tremendous team alongside familiar faces such as Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, the Knicks are on the rise after they reached the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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However, according to the latest reports, the Sixers haven’t ruled out the possibility of keeping James Harden. Daryl Morey will make a final push to convince him. The big problem is the All-Star has made clear he wants out and that could produce another major controversy in case they retain him.
