After just 76 games, James Harden’s loyalty to the Brooklyn Nets is being met with uncertainty.
Back in late 2020, the Nets gave up significant assets to bring James Harden to town, believing that his presence would secure the team a Championship. But since his arrival, things have only gotten more complicated for the franchise.
Now, talk of his potential departure this summer (when he’ll have the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent) has grown as Daryl Morey’s Sixers make it clear he’s one of their targets.
So sure of Harden’s partnership with Joel Embiid that some have already concluded he’ll be wearing a Philly jersey next season.
(via Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer)
“The reigning thought process throughout the league is Harden will be a Sixer next season,” a source said.
In the same article, Pompey made sure to mention how Harden feels about potentially playing with Embiid.
“Joel Embiid is the alpha dog for the Sixers, commanding the lion’s share of shots and serving as the focal point of the franchise, a dynamic that could make some ball-dominant players pursue an opportunity elsewhere. But sources said Harden would welcome playing with Embiid if he became a Sixer. The guard had a lot of individual success playing for Morey as a Rocket. Sources say Harden believes he could have similar success playing alongside Embiid.”
The 76ers have been embroiled in an ongoing saga for months now. Ben Simmons, who requested a trade in the summer, has cut all ties with the team, racking up millions in fines as he points to mental health as his reason for not playing.
All the while, Daryl Morey is trying (and failing) to find a suitable replacement for the 3x All-Star.
If Harden is serious about being a Sixer, a sign-and-trade in free agency could be the best option for everyone involved. But at this point, it’s too early to say with any certainty where James Harden will be playing next season.
