The NBA playoffs are about to begin, but looking ahead to the offseason, it is time to start speculating about what could occur in free agency.
This free agent class is going to be weaker than it has been in past years given the small amount of high-level talents that will be available, but there are a handful of All-Star-level players that could opt out of their current contracts.
Bradley Beal, Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Russell Westbrook all have player options for next season that they could opt out of, as does James Harden.
In the biggest trade of this season and one of the most surprising moves over the last few years, the Nets traded James Harden to the 76ers just one year after trading for him from Houston. In this deal, the Sixers gave up Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry, plus draft compensation, to pair Harden with Joel Embiid in search of a title.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 76ers Tried To Trade For Bradley Beal Before James Harden
Since making this trade, the 76ers have gone 10-5 with James Harden on the floor and they have been a very tough team to solve offensively, as Harden and Embiid are two of the best in the league at getting to the free-throw line and slowing the pace of play down.
Still in contention for the 1-seed this season and still very much in the championship conversation, the Philadelphia 76ers are planning on being in the postseason for a long-time, not having to worry about what is to come in the offseason.
However, if their playoff run is short-lived, could James Harden once again look to “jump ship” and pursue other ventures in free agency?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 76ers Tried To Trade For Bradley Beal Before James Harden
After all, Harden has said that he plans to opt into his option for next season, but has yet to do so, leading to speculation that he may look to become an unrestricted free agent.
It is way too early to speculate about what the future holds for James Harden, especially after we have yet to see him play with the Sixers in the playoffs, but let’s take a look at three teams that make the most sense for Harden to sign with in the offseason.