Guard James Harden was crucial to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2022-23 season, helping the team get to the second round of the playoffs. However, Harden could become a free agent if he declines his $35.6 million player option.
Though James Harden may return to the Philadelphia 76ers, he could also end up leaving. He has previously been linked to the Phoenix Suns and NBA insider Kelly Iko suggested that another option for him is the Los Angeles Clippers.
“From James’ perspective,” according to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, “there were always a few options. Phoenix was always an option. Another team that I’ve heard recently that is a dark horse, that’s kind of watching the situation is actually the Los Angeles Clippers. Phoenix, the Bradley Beal trade took them out of the equation.” (3:35)
The IkoSystem — Rockets Free Agency Preview https://t.co/dL2cgzWr5T
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 28, 2023
There is no doubt that James Harden could be the perfect fit with the Los Angeles Clippers, as the team has two prolific scorers in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but needs an elite floor general. They would become one of the favorites to get out of the Western Conference, and their talent level would be insane.
During the 2022-23 regular season, James Harden averaged 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 10.7 APG. Though he is no longer in his prime, he is still a star-level player that can contribute to a championship-level roster.
Some Believe James Harden Is No Longer A Max-Level Player
During his time with the Houston Rockets, James Harden was one of the top superstars in the league. However, he is clearly not the same player, and that has led an NBA executive to claim that Harden is no longer a max-level player in the NBA.
“So James is in that unfortunate circumstance that we talk about all the time. Who’s the last person to know it’s over? The player. His status as a max alpha player in this league, it’s over. He can’t produce wins.”
This seems to be a bit of a hot take, and there have definitely been lesser players than James Harden who have gotten max contracts in recent memory. Hopefully, we see James Harden have an elite season next year, and prove the naysayers wrong.
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