James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of what they hope to be a long NBA playoff run. How far the 76ers go could determine whether Harden stays in the City of Brotherly Love or departs for Houston, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski via his podcast.
“James Harden’s future is very unclear in Philadelphia. Houston is very much in play for him. And I think a lot may depend on [whether the Sixers] make a run and win and it’s easy to pay him long-term big money, or he just wants to be back in Houston. Win or lose he goes, or it’s dependent on the team’s success.”
James Harden Continues to Be Linked to Houston Rockets
This is not the first time that NBA insiders have mentioned Harden’s interest in reuniting with the Rockets next season. Wojnarowski first reported that was the case back in late December, and then on March 1, Kelly Iko of the Atheltic reiterated Harden’s possible return to Houston. Iko also indicated that the Rockets planned an aggressive approach in pursuing the 33-year-old.
Philadelphia holds a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round series over the Brooklyn Nets. Harden, coming off one of his better seasons in recent years, has struggled against the Nets. His best game was Game 3, where he got ejected for a groin shot on Royce O’Neal in the third quarter.
This got James Harden ejected. An absolute joke. pic.twitter.com/m8T4h61eil
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 21, 2023
Harden finished the game with 21 points on 8 of 15 shooting and 3 of 7 from beyond the arc in 29 minutes. He grabbed five rebounds, doled out four assists, and committed two turnovers. However, the 6-5 point guard ended with a -15 plus/minus rating, which was the worst on the team by 14 points.
“I have no idea,” Harden said about getting ejected. “But for me, to get my first ejection on a play like that where there’s no hostile act, that’s unacceptable. I’ve seen other calls, other plays and things like that … but come on.”
Harden has struggled with his shot for much of the series though he has been on target from deep. His assists are down, and his turnovers are up.
For the series, Harden averages 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 3.7 turnovers. He is a +3.3 plus/minus while producing a shooting slash line of .388/.429/.667.
Harden Can Be Cantankerous
Philadelphia is Harden’s fifth team. He forced his way out of Houston and Brooklyn. He almost did the same in Philly last season.
While the rumor mill is flowing, it is not a foregone conclusion that Harden is leaving Philly. He has a $35.64 million player option for next season. The 76ers had its best regular season since 2000-2001, and his relationship with Joel Embiid and Doc Rivers has improved. Harden also has solid relationships with Sixers’ GM Daryl Morey and CEO Tad Brown. However, good friend Michael Ruben, who played a huge role in Harden wanting to join the Sixers, sold his minority stake in the team.
Philadelphia can offer Harden the most money this offseason as the 76ers hold his Bird rights. The Sixers can offer him a max deal worth four years and $210 million, per Sportac.
However, ESPN’s Zach Lowe believes that Harden may not want a max deal. Lowe stated there are rumors Harden may prefer multiple short deals similar to the one he signed this past off-season.
“There are a lot of whispers around the league that he wants to continue cycling through, like, 1+1 kinds of deals.”
Harden has until June 29 to accept his player option. Other teams besides the Sixers and Rockets are expected to pursue Harden if he opts out. But the following looks at how Harden’s decision affects the two major players.
Effect on 76ers
It is believed the Sixers could overhaul the roster if they cannot get past the second round of the playoffs. The 76ers have 10 players in tote for 2023-24. Montrezl Harrell and Danuel House Jr. also have player options. Georges Niang, Shake Milton, Jalen McDaniels, and Dewayne Dedmon are unrestricted free agents. Paul Reed, Mac McClung, and Louis King are restricted free agents.
If Harden opts out, that would leave the 76ers with a max cap space of $12 million. The Sixers would also have an open spot in the starting lineup. De’Anthony Melton, who started 58 games, would likely slide back into the starting role alongside Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt.
It will be surprising if House or Harrell don’t opt- into their player options. The 76ers will also try to keep Niang, McDaniels, and Reed.
Let’s say Harden leaves, and the five above players return. Therefore, the Sixers would have three open roster spots. The 76ers do not have any draft picks in 2023 though they have two trade exceptions, including a valuable non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Biggest needs if Harden opts out: backup point guard and shooting guard.
Effect on Rockets
The Rockets are a different team than when Harden was last in Houston. But the city has a “magnetic pull” on the 14-year veteran, who spent over seven years there. He still has a good relationship with team owner Tilman Fertitta and has maintained strong ties in Houston.
Houston went 22-60 last season though the Rockets have plenty of young talent. It was the third straight season that the Rockets finished with a losing campaign. They need a coach, as the Rockets decided not to bring Stephen Silas back.
The Rockets have 11 players under contract next season with about $64 million of cap space. Kenyon Martin Jr., who has a cheap team option, will almost assuredly be on the roster though Daishen Nix has a non-guaranteed deal. The Rockets own two first-round draft picks in 2023, their own (projected No. 2) and Milwaukee’s (No. 20).
If Harden joins the Rockets, he projects to be joined in the backcourt by Jalen Green. Jabari Smith Jr., Kenyon Martin Jr., and Alperen Sengun would likely fill the rest of the starting five. Kevin Porter Jr., — a trade candidate—Tari Eason, Usman Garcia, and Jae’Sean Tate would be the leading candidates for the second unit. Porter Jr. was the Rockets’ starting point guard this past campaign.
