The Philadelphia 76ers are eyeing Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet as a potential replacement for James Harden, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Both VanVleet and Harden can become unrestricted free agents this summer if they decline their player options for next season. VanVleet has been linked to the Sixers since the franchise hired his former coach, Nick Nurse.
“VanVleet has proven to be one of the better playmakers and facilitators in the league, and he already won a title in Toronto in 2019,” Siegel wrote. “The Sixers have been looking to add championship-level talents to their roster, and sources say the Raptors guard is high atop the team’s target list should Harden leave Philadelphia this offseason. Leaving Toronto for Philadelphia is not that crazy of a scenario for the 29-year-old guard.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
Harden is expected to leave the Sixers this offseason for the Houston Rockets, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The former MVP is treated like a “god in Houston.”
“The belief among NBA executives is that James Harden will rejoin the Houston Rockets this summer,” Pompey wrote. “Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta ‘loves’ the 76ers point guard. The franchise expects to reunite with him, sources say. Before the Rockets hired Ime Udoka on April 25, head coaching candidates were asked for their opinion on coaching Harden during the interview process, according to sources.
“Sources have said his interest in returning to Houston is mutual and not a ploy to get a lucrative deal out of the Sixers. His mother still lives in the city. He has several business ventures there. And, as one source said, ‘he’s treated like a god in Houston.’”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
VanVleet, who is an undrafted player, averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season for the Raptors while shooting 39.3% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line.
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