It is believed that James Harden is on his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers after he opted into the final year of his contract with a mutual understanding that the team would look to find a trade partner for him.
He will make $35.6 million this coming season, and perhaps the Sixers would be better off if they got some assets for him rather than keeping him and having to work around his limitations.
However, center Paul Reed doesn’t appear to be on board with trading Harden, per Keith Pompey.
Sixers center Paul Reed on James Harden’s trade request: “James Harden, that’s like my big brother, one of the coolest vets I know. I hope he comes back. But I understand business is business, and sometimes you got to do what you got to do…
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 25, 2023
The 33-year-old had a solid 2022-23 season after he posted poor numbers the season prior, yet there is a lingering perception that he is a declining asset.
He also has a history of playing poorly in big situations and elimination games, and that’s a quality the Sixers cannot afford to play around.
Despite possessing one of the most talented rosters in the NBA over the last few years, they have failed to get as far as the Eastern Conference Finals — in fact, they haven’t gotten there since 2001.
The biggest pillars for Philly appear to be Joel Embiid, who turned in a career-best effort this past season and won the regular season MVP, and guard Tyrese Maxey, who has become a budding star.
They appear to be in a situation where they’re a very good team but need to make a bold move or two in order to get over the hump.
Philly hasn’t won an NBA championship since Moses Malone led Julius Erving and crew to the promised land back in 1983.
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Analyst Says Joel Embiid Should Take The Blame For 76ers’ Failure