Sixers

James Harden Reportedly Picking Up Player Option to Facilitate Trade

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jun 29th, 2023 · 5:10 PM EDT

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Here’s the James Harden news:

BREAKING: 76ers G James Harden is picking up his $35.6 million option and sides are beginning to work together in exploring trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN. It’s expected that Harden has played his last game for Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/GguWgysfNZ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2023

There are a dozen reporters out there saying the Clippers are interested, and the Knicks as well. Jake Fischer mentioned that Los Angeles is showing interest in Tobias Harris as well:

The Clippers and Sixers have been in contact this week, league sources told @YahooSports, where Los Angeles — among wide-ranging talks on Marcus Morris and Norman Powell — have approached Philadelphia on separate ideas of trading for James Harden and Tobias Harris. https://t.co/D0biHPhMul

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2023

Bobby Marks notes on Twitter that Harden can’t sign an extension because he signed a two-year deal just last season, so he’s going to become a free agent in 2024.

LA has some interesting pieces though. Paul George, Kawhi, etc. Injury concerns? Absolutely. Durability concerns? Absolutely. Both of those guys make Joel Embiid look like Rudy Gay in the availability department. But there’s not one clear path here for the Sixers, so we wait to see what comes next from Daryl Morey.

Will update when more details are available.