The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a lot of questions about the status of their future.
With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons locked up for the next few years, it seems obvious to say their fate as a team lies in the development of those two stars.
Unfortunately, both have had their fair share of problems over the past few years.
If it becomes apparent that the two cannot co-exist together on a roster, we might see Philly prepare to move on from one of them. But today, the big story isn’t about who they might push out but, rather, who they might bring in.
John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia said in a recent report that the Sixers believe hiring former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni could potentially lure in James Harden.
I’m hearing one of the reasons along with coaching that Sixers have a lot of interest in Mike D’Antoni is feeling with some in organization that he could help lure James Harden to Philly
Harden can become a free agent in 2 years and there is possibility of trade pic.twitter.com/gJVecCuhHN
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 24, 2020
Under his guidance, Harden has been amongst the highest-scoring players in the entire NBA. The past three seasons, the Rockets star has taken home three-straight scoring titles, averaging 30.4 points, 36.1 points, and 34.3 points, respectively.
With performances like that, it’s no wonder Harden’s name is so often attached to DAntoni’s and one would have to think The Beard himself would love a chance to play under him again.
Even so, the Sixers would likely have to make sacrifices if they want to add James. If the Rockets wait to offer him a deal in free agency, they aren’t projected to have salary-cap space in the 2022 offseason. To free up space financially, the Sixers will almost surely have to give up either Embiid or Simmons.
It’s a daunting task and would be pretty heart-breaking to get wrong. But if the Sixers ever want to break out of their shell, they’re going to have to start making risky moves. They’re going to have to start trusting in a new process.
