<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/clippers-have-made-a-decision-about-kawhi-leonard-and-paul-george-20230629-BUS-20169.html">Paul George</a> is having a good time playing for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/clippers-make-intriguing-move-with-eric-gordon-amid-james-harden-rumors-20230629-BUS-20460.html">Los Angeles Clippers</a> but the rumors about his future have not stopped for weeks, like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-head-scratching-reason-why-james-harden-didnt-want-to-return-to-houston-20230630-BUS-20757.html">James Harden</a> who is going through the same situation.



So far they have not won NBA Championships but they have been close to doing so, but so far even though George and Harden have changed teams multiple times that has not been enough to win a ring.


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What they both have in common is that they both played for a long time for their franchises where they had the best years of their careers but still have a lot to give as veterans that can help rookies progress faster.



<h2>Who is a riskier trade for a franchise, George or Harden?</h2>



James Harden has a bit more experience playing in the postseason, he hasn’t stopped playing in the playoffs since 2010 which is a pretty hefty record but Hardem has done it with four different teams.



<figure class="aligncenter size-large wp-block-image"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230703_BUS_22418_Paul-George-of-Clippers-2-1024x572_3278a9e7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="Paul George of Clippers" class="wp-image-14844" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28114512/Paul-George-of-Clippers-2-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28114512/Paul-George-of-Clippers-2-300x168.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28114512/Paul-George-of-Clippers-2-768x429.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28114512/Paul-George-of-Clippers-2.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paul George of Clippers
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On the other hand, Paul George has been a little more faithful and he has played in 10 postseasons with only three teams missing just the 2015 postseason. The problem with George is that he tends to get injured a lot more and his contract is too big for someone who tends to get injured.



<figure class="aligncenter size-large wp-block-image"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230703_BUS_22418_james-harden-1-1024x572_ad21b0a7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-7987" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28115856/james-harden-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28115856/james-harden-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28115856/james-harden-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/28115856/james-harden-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



The contract for Harden would also be multimillionaire at $35m for a single year, and for a franchise to apply a ‘rental’ contract with him would be quite risky since offering him an extension would be even more expensive.



The least risk



If Paul George stays healthy, he’s likely to be the least risky veteran player any franchise can get because his commitment to the teams he’s played on has been greater than James Harden’s.


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NBA: Who is more of a trade risk, Paul George or James Harden? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden </a>is one of the greatest scorers in the history of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a> But as such, he also has a long history of shortcomings, the latest coming with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers.</a>



Even so, Harden’s ego has often remained untouched. He always does what he wants, both on and off the court, and that’s how he’s handled every major career decision.



That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> were actually a possibility for his next destination, and while Jalen Green didn’t seem too excited about that.



<h2>Jalen Green Wasn’t So Sure About A James Harden Comeback</h2>



“I think it can play both ways,” Green said on ‘Podcast P’. “It can help and hurt at the same time. I haven’t really talked to him too much about the rumors; I’m with you on that.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"I think it can play both ways… It can help and hurt at the same time. I haven&apos;t really talked to him too much about the rumors." Jalen Green on the rumors of James Harden possibly returning to the Rockets this offseason 👀 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/PodcastPShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PodcastPShow</a>)<a href="https://t.co/dxxLRRUQCj">pic.twitter.com/dxxLRRUQCj</a>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1660701457878794250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Harden Won’t Be Back In Houston Because Of Jalen Green’s Comments</h2>



Notably, the former MVP didn’t care for those comments. So, once again, driven by his ego, he pretty much shut the door on any potential comeback to the Rockets, per Kelly Iko:



“[James Harden] caught wind of Jalen’s podcast with Paul George, and he wasn’t too keen on some of the things Jalen Green was saying… For [Jalen] to say ‘it could be good, it could be bad,’ [James] didn’t like that very much,” Iko said.


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Green didn’t even take a shot at him; he just told the truth. Having a ball-dominant veteran next to a bunch of young players looking to develop could hurt their growth; that’s just a fact. Fortunately for them, that will no longer be the case.

The head-scratching reason why James Harden didn't want to return to Houston - Bolavip US

The head-scratching reason why James Harden didn't want to return to Houston

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Los Angeles Clippers</a> decided to waive Eric Gordon in a crucial moment for the franchise just before the start of free agency. In a period full of amazing trade in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>, all teams are on the move. 



Considering Los Angeles have a roster which includes names like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the move was much needed to save at least $100 million on the tax bill. Furthermore, if they want to also keep Russell Westbrook, this seemed to be a no-brainer. 


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However, though Eric Gordon’s decision could primarily economic, there might be a catch. If <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> is open to a trade from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, the Clippers could be all-in.



<h2>Will the Clippers sign James Harden?</h2>



In the case of Eric Gordon, the decision means the Clippers will not guarantee the $21 million contract for the player and he will become a free agent. Of course, this opens the door for a possible trade with the Sixers if James Harden is indeed available. 







Harden exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season. As a consequence, the next step for the Sixers will be definitely a trade as Harden didn’t consider declining the option to become a free agent.&nbsp;


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As it’s happening with many players around the league, Harden wants to join a contender. The Clippers will be a tremendous team alongside familiar faces such as&nbsp;Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and maybe Westbrook.

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James Harden: Clippers make very intriguing move amid trade rumors - Bolavip US

James Harden: Clippers make very intriguing move amid trade rumors

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has been heavily linked with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> after the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals. It makes sense, since the guard could find in South Florida the chance to contend he never really had in Portland.



Erik Spoelstra’s team, meanwhile, would definitely use a player of Dame’s caliber. The Heat have made deep playoff runs in recent years, but in the end, it felt like they’ve always lacked another star to get the job done.


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However, Lillard may not want to leave at all. And even if he does, the Portland Trail Blazers will probably have high demands. But Miami may not have to worry about this, as it looks like another opportunity has presented itself.



<h2>Rumor: Heat may go after James Harden</h2>



According to Shams Charania, the Miami Heat could join the race for James Harden, who is reportedly opting into his $35.6M player option with the 76ers to work on a trade out of Philadelphia:



“The Clippers and Heat are expected to emerge in this process for (James) Harden, I’m told. Teams across the league understand a player like Harden will likely reach a preferred destination,” Shams said on The Rally.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">“The Clippers and Heat are expected to emerge in this process for (James) Harden, I’m told. Teams across the league understand a player like Harden will likely reach a preferred destination…” NBA Insider <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a> updates us on James Harden. <a href="https://t.co/HpxYR6aRMW">pic.twitter.com/HpxYR6aRMW</a>— The Rally (@TheRally) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1674553216518815744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Harden’s availability will certainly draw interest in the market. Whether his profile suits the Heat Culture is debatable, but Miami clearly needs another All-Star next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

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NBA Rumors: Heat may have found an alternative to Damian Lillard

It seems to be over between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>, James Harden is officially on the trading<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-remains-silent-after-blockbuster-trades-in-nba-20230623-BUS-16505.html"> block</a>. The guard is 33-years old and arrived to the Sixers on February of 2022. Now, another change of team is on the way.



<h2>James Harden: Where will he be traded by the Sixers?</h2>



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.

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James Harden could get shocking news from Sixers - Bolavip US

James Harden could get shocking news from Sixers

For months,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> James Harden’s</a> future with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> has been a talking point around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> circles. Even at this point in his career, he should still gauge some interest as a free agent.



Harden is expected to decline his player option for the upcoming campaign, thus becoming an unrestricted free agent. Even so, not many teams will be willing to meet his reported salary pretensions.



That’s why, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> are no longer interested in a reunion with him, as Harden isn’t interested in taking any sort of pay cut.



<h2>Rockets No Longer Want James Harden</h2>



“In recent days, I’ve understood that Houston is no longer an option for James,” Iko said. “I would call them out of the running. From the Rockets’ perspective, that makes sense, too, considering James was never interested in taking some kind of discount – not two years in a row. He made, what, $34-35 million this year? He could stand to make 50 to 52. He was not going to take a discount, and the Rockets were never going to pay him that kind of max money.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The IkoSystem — Rockets Free Agency Preview <a href="https://t.co/dL2cgzWr5T">https://t.co/dL2cgzWr5T</a>— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) <a href="https://twitter.com/KellyIko/status/1674085405099163649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Clippers Are A New Dark Horse For Harden}</h2>



And now that the Rockets are no longer in the mix for his services, the insider points out that the Los Angeles Clippers could be another team to look out for in his sweepstakes:



“Another team that I’ve heard recently that is a dark horse, that’s kind of watching the situation is actually the Los Angeles Clippers,” Iko said. “Phoenix, the Bradley Beal trade took them out of the equation.”


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Even so, the Clippers will have to figure out what to do with either Paul George and/or Kawhi Leonard before even thinking of making a run at Harden, which obviously makes it more difficult.

There's a new dark horse to land James Harden - Bolavip US

There's a new dark horse to land James Harden

It’s not a secret that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> want to get <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> back. They want to compete for an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>championship and simply aren’t good enough right now.



Harden was obviously one of the greatest players to ever wear that jersey. And even though he didn’t leave the team on good terms, they’re willing to bury the hatchet.



However, as much as they would love to have him back, they know he could still stay with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, which is why they’ve put together a list of potential targets in case they fail to get him.



<h2>Houston Rockets Have Multiple Targets</h2>



(Transcript via Evan Sidery)



“Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks; Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors; Bruce Brown from the Denver Nuggets; Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets; Jordan Clarkson from the Utah Jazz, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura from the Los Angeles Lakers; Dillon Brooks from the Memphis Grizzlies, Donte DiVincenzo from the Golden State Warriors and Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs are all linked with the Rockets this offseason.



Houston projects to have around $60 million in cap space to reshape their roster for new head coach Ime Udoka.”



Truth be told, the Rockets might as well be better off with some of these targets, as Harden isn’t getting any younger, and he’ll take plenty of touches away from their rising stars.

Rockets have a plan B if they don't get James Harden back - Bolavip US

Rockets have a plan B if they don't get James Harden back

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> shocked the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> by trading for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> last year. However, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone according to plan so far. If not, we wouldn’t be talking about his future.







The Beard has failed to bring immediate success to the City of Brotherly Love, when that was exactly what the team was looking for with his arrival. Instead, nothing seemed to change for the Sixers in the playoffs.



There were moments in which Harden found chemistry with Joel Embiid, but not when the team really needed it. The Sixers are reportedly not giving up on Harden yet, but they would only re-sign him on a ‘team-friendly’ deal.



<h2>Rumor: Sixers would only bring back Harden on a team-friendly contract</h2>



(Via Kyle Neubeck of The Philly Voice)



“Harden returning to the Sixers on a team-friendly deal remains the focus of Philadelphia’s offseason, and it looks increasingly likely that they might be able to make that happen. The Houston Rockets are Harden’s biggest suitor outside of Philadelphia, but the indication is that they are not willing to go over the top with years or dollars to sign him specifically.



“Sources told PhillyVoice that Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta wants to establish a more solid culture alongside the arrival of head coach Ime Udoka, and Houston has shown interest in free agents Fred Van Vleet, Brook Lopez, and Dillon Brooks, among others.”


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Harden is not getting any younger (he turns 34 in August) and his constant changes of scenery also don’t help him at the time of pursuing a bigger contract. If the Sixers bring him back, it will probably be one of his last opportunities to contend.

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NBA Rumors: 76ers want James Harden back on one condition - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: 76ers want James Harden back on one condition

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> paired <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/joel-embiid">Joel Embiid</a> with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> last year, hoping it would bring better results in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> playoffs. However, nothing seemed to change, which is why the front office is making moves.







Doc Rivers is no longer the head coach, and Nick Nurse will instead be in charge of taking the Sixers to a deep postseason run. However, the roster could look different next season.



Harden’s future with the team looks uncertain, but Daryl Morey is expected to try and get new players to the City of Brotherly Love anyway. Besides, Montrezl Harrell may be playing elsewhere in the 2023-24.



<h2>Report: Montrezl Harrell declines player option with Sixers</h2>



According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Harrell is declining his his $2.7 million player option to become a free agent this offseason. The center has been backup to Embiid in Philly, where his playing time decreased significantly since the All-Star break.


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Therefore, it’s not a surprise that the 29-year-old prefers to explore his options in the open market. Will Harden join him in free agency? Only time will tell.

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NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid could lose another 76ers teammate apart from James Harden - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid could lose another 76ers teammate apart from James Harden

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> had the perfect opportunity to get to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Finals — or at least the Conference Finals — for the first time in two decades. They wasted it by failing to close the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> out not once but twice.



Now, they’re looking at a key offseason. They made a solid move by replacing Doc Rivers with Nick Nurse, and now they need to focus on strengthening their roster around Joel Embiid.



And with all the rumors of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> opting out of his deal, they might need to look at the rest of the league for a suitable replacement. Notably, Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes Bradley Beal could be available.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal Could Be Available</h2>



“Beal has a unique contract unlike anybody else’s in the NBA,” Windhorst said. “He has a no-trade clause, which means not only can he decide if he wants to leave the Wizards, but he can decide who and what he is traded for.”



“It makes it extremely difficult to find a deal, and Michael Winger has said he has not made up his mind yet, but that indecision has led teams to keep a very close eye on the Wizards as they not only have Beal but big free agents Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis,” added Windhorst.



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<h2>Sixers Could Lead The Race For Beal</h2>



Should that be the case, then NBA insider Bill Simmons believes the Sixers should be the obvious frontrunners to acquire his services, as they almost traded for him before Harden arrived:



“My odds on favorite is Philadelphia and I don’t even think it’s close,” Simmons said on his podcast. “Beal and Embiid, they’re friends. Embiid was trying to get him two years ago, which I kept telling people on this podcast. They ended up going with Harden instead, Embiid was pushing hard for Beal. Harden is going to leave.”



Beal has constantly affirmed his commitment to the Wizards, but he’s not going to compete for a ring there, so he might as well realize it and take his talents somewhere else.

Sixers identify another potential James Harden replacement - Bolavip US

Sixers identify another potential James Harden replacement

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> hoped Doc Rivers would lead them to a championship, and they did everything to help the coach. However, not even the trade for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> was enough to change his fate.



Rivers’ poor record at crucial playoff games only got worse this year, with his team blowing a 3-2 lead over the Boston Celtics to once again get eliminated in the Conference Semifinals.



After three straight postseason shortcomings, the team decided to make a coaching change by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-nick-nurse-explains-why-he-chose-joel-embiids-sixers-over-kevin-durants-suns-20230602-BUS-5663.html">hiring Nick Nurse</a>. Rivers recently opened up on his time in Philly, describing his experience of coaching Harden as ‘challenging.’



<h2>Doc Rivers says coaching James Harden was a challenge</h2>



“It was challenging,” Rivers told Bill Simmons on his podcast. “More because we were fighting two things, and not visually fighting. But James was so good at playing one way, and the way I believe you have to play to win in some ways is different because it’s a lot of giving up the ball, moving the ball, and coming back to the ball. I would have loved to have him younger.



“At times, to get him to move and play the way I needed him to play [was challenging], I thought the first half of the year we were the best team in the game. I thought James was playing perfect basketball, he was a point guard on the team, and he was still scoring, but he was doing more playmaking and scoring. And then in the second half he started scoring more, and I thought we got more stagnant at times.”



Many things have been said about Rivers and Harden’s relationship, but the former Sixers coach seems to have no hard feelings. However, it will always be a shame that things didn’t work out on the court.

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Doc Rivers makes painful admission about coaching James Harden at Sixers - Bolavip US

For years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>fans have wondered just how good<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> James Harden</a> could be if he put his career first and foremost. Even when he was an MVP candidate with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a>, it seemed like basketball wasn’t his No. 1 priority.



That was again on full display last season. He seemed more motivated than ever in the offseason, but had to take a day off to go party in Las Vegas right in the middle of the playoffs.



Ironically, Gilbert Arenas believes he needs to go to Florida and join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> to be at his best, as Pat Riley won’t tolerate his shenanigans and will make him focus on his career.



<h2>Gilbert Arenas Says James Harden Needs Pat Riley To Be At His Best</h2>



“Miami,” Arenas said. “Do you know who Pat Riley is? Pat had Magic, and he had LeBron James and D-Wade– With Pat Riley, he [Harden] has no choice [but to buy into that culture].”



“They had Shaquille O’Neal, they had Gary Payton, they had Antoine Walker. They clubbed so much they built a barbershop inside the strip club,” continued Arenas. “And a basketball court. Before they won that championship ring, that’s what they did. He broke them.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">What team should be trying to get James Harden this summer? I SAY THE MIAMI HEAT. <a href="https://t.co/Wygezvq3fb">pic.twitter.com/Wygezvq3fb</a>— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/GilsArenaShow/status/1666886877130158080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Well, Arenas has always been known for thinking outside of the box, and this is definitely an interesting take, but it makes sense. Now, whether they’ll get it done is a whole different story.

Gilbert Arenas explains why James Harden needs to sign with the Miami Heat - Bolavip US

Gilbert Arenas explains why James Harden needs to sign with the Miami Heat

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> fell short of their goal again. They were legit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship contenders for most of the season and even had the MVP in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/joel-embiid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joel Embiid.</a>



Doc Rivers’ tenure run its course, and their stars’ underperforming in the playoffs has become a yearly tradition, so they might have to look for someone else to carry the load when it matters the most.



With that in mind, Brett Seigel of ClutchPoints reports that they could be looking at making a run at Fred VanVleet to replace <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a>, who’s likely to opt out of the final year of his deal and leave.



<h2>Sixers Might Replace James Harden With Fred VanVleet</h2>



“Harden owns a $35.64 million player option for the 2023-24 season that many around the league are anticipating him opting out of,” Siegel wrote. “Leaving the Sixers after just one full season and signing elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent is a very real possibility for Harden, which is why Philadelphia has begun giving thought as to who could replace the former league MVP. According to league sources close to the organization, Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has emerged as a potential replacement for Harden this offseason.”



<h2>VanVleet Has Strong Praise For Nick Nurse</h2>



VanVleet is also expected to pursue a bigger deal in free agency. And with the Sixers hiring former Raptors coach Nick Nurse, it seems like there’s a real possibility of a reunion:



“He’s just a different voice that they haven’t heard before, something outside the box who is going to bring new ideas, creative ideas,” VanVleet said of his former coach joining the Sixer. “It will be a breath of fresh air for them and anytime you’re changing head coaches, that’s pretty much what you’re looking for. A new identity, a new voice for guys to kind of rally behind. I think he’ll have some success. Hopefully not too much if I’m not there and I’m staying in Toronto, then we want him to fail. But other than that, I am happy that he landed on his feet.”


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The table seems set for the Sixers to at least consider signing the former NBA champion, who’s played himself into borderline All-Star consideration for years now.

Sixers have found a replacement for James Harden, claims insider - Bolavip US

Sixers have found a replacement for James Harden, claims insider

The season is over for all but two teams. While the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> prepare for the 2023 NBA Finals, the rest of the pack is starting to think about next year. 



In fact, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> have already started to make changes aiming to come back stronger. After yet another failure in the postseason, the team has decided to move on from head coach Doc Rivers.



That wouldn’t be all, though. The Sixers have a big decision to make in regard to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a>, whose future in the City of the Brotherly Love looks uncertain. However, it looks like the team has already identified his potential replacement.



<h2>Rumor: Sixers see Fred VanVleet as an alternative to Harden</h2>



(Via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints)



“Harden owns a $35.64 million player option for the 2023-24 season that many around the league are anticipating him opting out of. Leaving the Sixers after just one full season and signing elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent is a very real possibility for Harden, which is why Philadelphia has begun giving thought as to who could replace the former league MVP. According to league sources close to the organization, Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has emerged as a potential replacement for Harden this offseason”



While Fred VanVleet is not exactly an upgrade to Harden, he could fit very well next to Joel Embiid. Besides, he has already won a championship with the Toronto Raptors. Even so, we’ll have to wait to know whether The Beard is actually walking out of Philly.

NBA Rumors: Sixers may have identified a potential target to replace James Harden - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Sixers</a> went after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a>, they hoped to immediately become title contenders. However, The Beard has failed to change things in Philadelphia as the team’s wait to make the Conference Finals continues.



Unlike last year, when the 76ers decided to run things back, the front office has already made a significant change by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-coach-candidates-for-the-philadelphia-76ers-20230517-BUS-1665.html">firing head coach Doc Rivers</a>. Now, the question is whether they’ll head into next season with a similar roster or more changes will be made.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-potential-destinations-for-james-harden-20230516-BUS-1389.html">Harden’s future</a> will be one of the biggest talking points this offseason, since he has a player option for the 2023-24 campaign before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024. But it looks like he wants to hit the open market this summer.



<h2>Rumor: James Harden intends to become a free agent this offseason</h2>



(Via Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report)



“Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer in order to secure a long-term deal, league sources tell Bleacher Report.



“… The Houston Rockets have long been a rumored destination, but sources say Harden will only entertain suitors that present a competitive roster and the basketball freedom for the star to be himself, sources say.”



Haynes added that, considering Harden’s desire to be part of a competitive team, the Sixers remain the “logical” option for him. The Beard, however, said after the loss to the Celtics that his partnership with Joel Embiid was just getting started.



“We’re only one year in,” Harden said. “We played against a team that’s been together for quite a few years now. They were in the finals last year so they know what it takes to get back there and this is only Year 1 for us, full year so it was great.”


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We shouldn’t expect him to make a decision anytime soon, so Harden could be involved in another months-long saga regarding his future. In the meantime, we’ll have to keep an eye on how the Sixers move forward after falling short again.

NBA Rumors: James Harden may have reached a decision about his future - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: James Harden may have reached a decision about his future

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James Harden - Page 15