Could the Phoenix Suns trade point guard Chris Paul to the Philadelphia 76ers for shooting guard James Harden this summer? It’s possible, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
“And then there’s the idea of Phoenix exchanging Paul for James Harden, which has quietly circulated around some league personnel since the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago,” Fischer wrote. “A reunion between Harden and Kevin Durant makes for great fodder, and the bearded point guard could feasibly pick up his 2023-24 player option on the condition Philadelphia trades him to the Suns.
“You may remember Paul pulled that exact maneuver to join Harden in Houston in 2017. Harden, though, stands to gain quite a bit more financially from either staying pat with the 76ers or returning to the Rockets and their $60-plus million in waiting cap space.”
Harden can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers. Meanwhile, the Suns have met with Paul and his representation and addressed the likelihood that the front office could waive the future Hall of Fame point guard before his $30.8 million salary becomes guaranteed on June 28, leaving the franchise on the hook for just $15.8 million.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
Harden has been linked to the Sixers, Suns and Houston Rockets. The 2017-18 MVP is expected to test free agency this summer after averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists this season. Harden played Suns superstar small forward Kevin Durant on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets.
This summer is going to be fun to track since there are plenty of storylines to follow. We have Harden’s free agency, Paul’s future, Kyrie Irving’s fate and LeBron James’ retirement plans.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
The NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets are still going on, but the offseason rumors are already heating up.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
