The Philadelphia 76ers would’ve considered a two-year offer for James Harden had the NBA star not requested a trade, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Harden opted into his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers and requested a trade after he learned about the team’s plans not to give him a long-term contract. The 2017-18 NBA MVP wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Some with the Sixers were a little bit surprised James Harden opted into the final year of his player option,” Scotto wrote. “To my understanding, the best the Sixers would’ve considered was something along the lines of a two-year deal, which would’ve included a team option, and that type of short-term commitment wasn’t going to appeal to Harden.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
“Harden knew the team he wanted to go to, the Clippers, and the only way to get there and get his money was to opt in because of their restrictions with the salary cap. There’s still been dialogue between the two teams. As for Harden and Daryl Morey, it’s been a while since they’ve spoken, and their relationship is done.”
The Sixers are believed to be asking for a lot for Harden because they feel comfortable with the idea of him returning to the team next NBA season. Since Harden doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Philadelphia doesn’t have to honor his trade request.
Harden is extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise by requesting a trade. The 10-time NBA All-Star averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden intends to “never wear” a Sixers uniform again, sources told NBA Analysis Network. The three-time NBA scoring champion requested trades from the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets and got his wish both times, so odds are Harden will eventually get traded by the Sixers.
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