One NBA writer is proposing that the Golden State Warriors acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers and Warriors:
Golden State Warriors Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody
One of the greatest players of all time, 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. The 2017-18 MVP led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after the talented guard picked up his $35.6 million player option for next season in June. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden was steep and no teams were willing or able to meet it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Sixers believe they will be a championship contender with Harden’s return alongside Joel Embiid and the team is determined to find a way to make it work with Harden next season. However, according to NBA insider Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Harden will never play for the Sixers again and has no plans of taking part in training camp if he’s still on the team.
Harden was fined $100,000 by the NBA for calling Sixers president Daryl Morey “a liar” during his Adidas tour in China. Harden no longer has a relationship with Morey. The 10-time NBA All-Star called the exec a liar since he wasn’t traded quickly after opting into his 2023-24 player option.
If Harden isn’t traded before training camp starts and he holds out for more than 30 days, the Sixers can prevent him from entering free agency in the summer of 2024, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN. Since Harden is in the final year of his contract, different NBA holdout rules would apply to him if he decided not to report to training camp and play.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Warriors could start Harden, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney if Golden State’s front office figured out a way to acquire Harden from Philadelphia. The Warriors, though, haven’t been mentioned in any Harden trade rumors.
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