1. Replacing James Harden with Fred VanVleet
The fit is clear. VanVleet is a capable 20 points per game scorer that was an All-Star in 2022. He competes hard on both ends of the floor and has played under head coach Nick Nurse for the last five years in Toronto. FVV would give the 76ers another elite point guard to run their offense if Harden decides to play somewhere else next season.
VanVleet is an unrestricted free agent and will likely be searching for at least $25 million per year. The Sixers would need to trade Tobias Harris or multiple other role players to create that much cap space. Would it be worth dumping P.J. Tucker and Furkan Korkmaz to open up the room for the 29-year-old point guard? Star talent rules the league, and Joel Embiid and VanVleet give the 76ers a chance to contend immediately.
It is a wild move for a reason. Nobody expects the Philadelphia 76ers to let James Harden walk and try to sign Fred VanVleet in free agency, but the situation could arise where they must do it. Plenty of high-end talent will be available this summer, and this is just one avenue for the Sixers to explore.
Where will James Harden end up next season? Do the Philadelphia 76ers find a replacement if he moves on? Can they add a wing to their already talented roster? Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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