SI:AM | James Harden on the Move Again?

Plus, the NFL’s latest self-inflicted gambling headache.

Good morning, I’m Kevin Sweeney. We’re off for the holiday but will be back in your inbox again Wednesday.

In today’s SI:AM:

🏀 James Harden’s trade request shakes up NBA offseason

💰 The NFL’s latest gambling punishments show league’s integrity issues

🏈 Colin Kaepernick’s continued comeback bid

James Harden’s trade request

Free agency in the NBA begins this evening, but the league’s offseason got its first true bombshell last night when reports surfaced that James Harden is picking up his $35.6 million player option and requesting a trade from Philadelphia. It’s a fascinating move that came as a shock to many that cover the NBA.

For Harden, opting in is a financially risky move. He won’t be eligible to sign an extension with his new team, so that means entering free agency seeking a long high-dollar extension at age 35. However, it does open up a wider range of potential destinations from a salary cap standpoint, and gives the Sixers a chance to add talent in return.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski floated the Knicks and Clippers as early potential suitors for Harden. For the Knicks, the organization could add the superstar it has craved for years—albeit an aging one with no long-term security—to push for a championship alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. And the Clippers, who’ve been plagued by injuries throughout the Paul George–Kawhi Leonard era, could finally solidify the point guard position.

There’s also the pressing question of what a return would look like for the Sixers. It seems obvious the team would want pieces that can help the team win this year with the returning MVP in Joel Embiid rather than future draft capital, but what level of player can Philadelphia get in return? Does this open the Sixers up as a free-agency destination?

Sports Illustrated’s Rohan Nadkarni worked up three potential deals that could work for both parties, shipping Harden to the Clippers, Knicks and Heat. In all three, securing role players is the mission with packages built around Norman Powell, RJ Barrett and Duncan Robinson, respectively.

This clearly puts the ball in the hands of Tyrese Maxey, who averaged more than 20 points per game sharing the backcourt with Harden a season ago. Never rule out a monster maneuver by Daryl Morey, but all signs point to a massive breakout from the former Kentucky guard. But is that enough to give Embiid the pieces around him to compete in the Eastern Conference?

There’s no drama quite like NBA player movement drama.

The best of Sports Illustrated

Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

• The NFL’s latest gambling-related punishments are here, and they’re yet another reflection of the league’s self-inflicted integrity issues, writes Conor Orr.
• Colin Kaepernick sat down with SI’s Gilberto Manzano and says he’s still fighting for an NFL opportunity, nearly 2,400 days since his last game action.
• Army football is ditching the triple option. Richard Johnson and Conor Orr went to West Point to find out why and meet the people behind the program’s complete overhaul.
• Kyrie Irving is set to meet with the Suns when NBA free agency begins, though he’d likely need a substantial pay cut for the Suns to add him to their superteam.
• Keith Hernandez isn’t signing off on Shohei Ohtani taking his retired No. 17 if the two-way superstar signs with the Mets this offseason.
• Emma Baccellieri writes about the continued remarkable feats of hot-dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut ahead of July 4, when he’ll attempt to defend his title.

The top five…

…things I saw yesterday:

5. J.T. Realmuto’s highlight-reel play behind the plate

4. Another big-time performance from Brittney Griner

3. Draymond Green’s trash talk during The Match

2. And Charles Barkley dishing it right back at Draymond

1. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s home run celebration

SIQ

The newly relocated Colorado Rockies NHL team announced on this day in 1982 that their new nickname would be the New Jersey Devils. Which other name did owner John McMullen prefer?

• Blades
• Colonials
• Meadowlanders
• Jaguars