James Harden opts in, 76ers to explore trade; 5 landing spots
PHILADELPHIA (BVM) – James Harden is opting into his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season so that he and the Philadelphia 76ers can work together on a trade for the 10-time All-Star.
The franchise made it clear throughout the negotiation process that it “did not see a long-term future with Harden,” according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The 33-year-old guard averaged 21 points and led the NBA in assists (10.7) last season but the 76ers (54-28) lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive year.
While Philadelphia has no obligation to trade Harden, it appears his focus is to find a new team for the third time since leaving the Houston Rockets in 2021, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 76ers have already begun the process of discussing trades for Harden with other teams and the expectation is that a player of his caliber will likely reach his preferred destination.
With that in mind, here are the five possible landing spots for Harden via trade.
