The Phoenix Suns have zero interest in trading for Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden, according to NBA insider John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers and wants to get traded. However, the Suns will not be bringing “The Beard” to Phoenix.
Harden and Suns superstar Kevin Durant were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets. Harden played his college basketball at Arizona State, so he’s familiar with the Phoenix area.
However, the Suns have already made their blockbuster trade this offseason, acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards for Chris Paul and Landry Shamet. Phoenix now has a deadly Big 3 of Beal, Durant and Devin Booker. Deandre Ayton is also still on the roster despite being in trade rumors all summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Harden wants the Sixers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic. However, since Harden doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Philadelphia can trade the former MVP anywhere.
The 33-year-old Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games and Harden didn’t play well in Game 6 or Game 7. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach after the season and replaced by Nick Nurse, who won the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors.
Nurse and Harden met in Houston in June and the meeting went well. However, money got in the way between Harden and the Sixers. Harden wanted a max contract and Philadelphia didn’t want to give him one.
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