The first day of the 2023 NBA free agency was particularly quiet for the Sixers. Having gone through the initial wave without any new signings, the Philadelphia 76ers brass remain laser-focused on finding out what’s next for All-Star guard James Harden, who has once again made headlines across the league after an abrupt trade request.
By surprisingly picking up his $35.6 million contract option for next season, Harden has launched himself into the trading table after doing the same not too long ago when he donned the Brooklyn Nets colorways. Now, the Sixers could be on deck for a substantial retooling around Joel Embiid and newly-installed head coach Nick Nurse.
Sixers enter familiar James Harden territory after abrupt trade request
Fortunately for Philly, while the current structure of Harden’s deal precludes cost control and essentially projects as a one-year rental as an unrestricted free agent next year, there shouldn’t be any shortage of suitors for his services with so many teams vying for contention.
In fact, these four clubs could each present a strong case as a potential landing spot for James Harden while giving the Sixers a substantial return that will allow them to swiftly make changes on the margins and extend their championship window for the foreseeable future with Embiid still on board.
4 potential landing spots for Sixers star James Harden
1. Miami Heat
Coming off an NBA Finals appearance, the Miami Heat have made it known that they are dead-set on hunting for a star this offseason. After striking out on Bradley Beal and with Damian Lillard showing all indications of preferring to stay in Portland, Pat Riley and co. could soon shift their focus on entering the James Harden sweepstakes.
Both parties have not shown interest in a partnership at this juncture, but a deal here makes sense, at least on paper. Miami’s offense ran out of juice in the latter portion of the playoffs, and with Gabe Vincent and Mas Strus already skipping town, there’s not a lot of scoring outlook aside from their rather inconsistent Big 3.
Harden — one of, if not the best playmaker in the league, should be an instant fix to the Heat’s scoring woes. He offers a significant upgrade to Tyler Herro’s scoring and facilitating while not being a cone on defense. Better yet, he should present a seamless fit next to Bam Adebayo as a pick-and-roll partner, and to Jimmy Butler as a capable off-ball release valve.
Miami’s best bet to trade for Harden would be to tempt the 76ers with an offer centered on Herro and draft compensation as a Kyle Lowry-centric offer would undoubtedly be turned down, though Harden’s utter lack of roster control could be a big turn-off for their brass if they are not confident about him re-signing next year, especially with the new CBA enforcing more stringent restrictions on three-star configurations.
4 potential landing spots for Sixers star James Harden
2. Chicago Bulls
One team that badly needs a significant outfit change is the Chicago Bulls. That doesn’t seem to be too likely after they re-signed Nikola Vucevic to a three-year deal, but they still have an avenue to make a changing of the guards — literally — in hopes that a shake-up could take them out of the middle of the pack.
The Bulls have expressed some degree of openness to the idea of trading Zach LaVine in recent years, and while it remains to be seen if that holds up, Chicago should at least poke at the possibility of making a swap.
Another option for Philly would be to gun for DeMar DeRozan instead, though the Bulls have not shown any sheen of desire to part ways with their No. 1 option.
Nevertheless, the 76ers can view Chicago as an ideal trading partner should they want another win-now, star presence next to Joel Embiid. The Bulls’ willingness to bite into the inevitable and drop the hammer on one of their stars remains unknown, but this could be an opportunity that could yield no loser.
4 potential landing spots for Sixers star James Harden
3. LA Clippers
James Harden preferring the LA Clippers as a trade destination is the league’s biggest worst-kept secret nowadays. While Team President Daryl Morey has not reciprocated the same willingness to yield to this specific request, it is not a reach at all to pin the Clippers are the likeliest landing spot for the former MVP.
Despite the new CBA regulations and Harden being a flight risk, the Clippers are unique in that they are well-positioned to take a relatively short-sighted approach right now. They are already reportedly keen to dumping Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, and Norman Powell’s contracts anyway, and should Philadelphia want another star in return, well, LA has recently scoured the market for Paul George.
Alternatively, the 76ers can shoot for the Clippers’ young guns such as Terance Mann with some veteran contributors as deal sweeteners. Either way, Philly has a lot of flexibility in engaging with LA as a trading partner for Harden.
Whether the Clippers switch stars or form yet another super team, the Sixers should ultimately be well-served even if they decide to cave into Harden’s preference.
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.