The Miami Heat could trade for Philadelphia 76ers superstar guard James Harden, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and will work with the Sixers on a trade. The Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are interested in acquiring “The Beard.”
“The Clippers and Heat are expected to emerge in this process for (James) Harden, I’m told. Teams across the league understand a player like Harden will likely reach a preferred destination,” Charania said.
One of the greatest players of all time, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists this past season while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The 10-time All-Star led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career and helped the Sixers win 54 games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
However, Philly lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse was hired by the Sixers.
Harden has a reputation for partying a lot, which is why many people around the NBA don’t believe the Heat would be a good landing spot for the Arizona State product. Miami’s culture is built around practicing hard and players being in peak condition at all times.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. He is still looking to win his first championship. The Heat are trying to make a blockbuster acquisition this summer after losing to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Finals in five games. They have been heavily linked to Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard.
It will be fascinating to see where Harden is playing next season. Both the Heat and Clippers could compete for a championship in 2023-24 with Harden in the fold, but Harden has to be focused and in shape and that hasn’t always been the case with the three-time scoring champion.
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