4 potential landing spots for Sixers star James Harden
4. New York Knicks
Another option for the 76ers would be to go younger as they re-route Harden to a new club. One team in particular that can opt to go older in parallel is the upstart New York Knicks, which are coming off a successful 2022-23 season.
With Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle playing at an All-Star level last season, the Knickerbockers made it all the way to the East Semis. Still, this team is not a bona fide title contender as things currently stand, and upgrades will have to be made for them to elevate from being just a tough out in the playoffs.
The Knicks won’t be the favorite in the Harden sweepstakes, but a haul centered on, say, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and some draft capital could at least be worth the entry on the Sixers whiteboard. None of those players possess the floor-raising profile that the other teams’ possible return assets tout, but that package should be one of the better ones out there when it comes to future-proofing if you’re Philly.
To conclude, should the 76ers not find a deal they like for James Harden, the front office should have the liberty to exercise patience and try to right the ship as long as their relationship with Joel Embiid doesn’t sour. As long as the reigning MVP is in town, Philly should have the tools to win with the right players surrounding him.