1. No team is going to pay a superstar price for James Harden
Harden is still an elite playmaker. He led the league in assists per game last season and helped the 76ers get to the playoffs, but there are questions about how much he helps in the biggest moments. Harden has disappeared in the playoffs multiple times, and Philadelphia was again bounced in the second round.
The ten-time All-Star turns 34 years old later this month and the decline is already starting to show. He was not an All-Star last season and produced his lowest points per game since 2012, despite scoring being up around the league. The cracks are beginning to show, and teams question how he will age given his off-the-court habits.
James Harden opted into his contract because there was no suitor on the open market willing to give him a max deal. He wanted to be traded, but no team came with a massive offer. All the signs are pointing to the Philadelphia 76ers trading him for a less-than-stellar package, which could impact Daryl Morey’s standing and Joel Embiid’s happiness.
Things are already ugly, but they are about to get significantly worse between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Buckle up because the end could be far off, and the ride is only getting bumpier from here.
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