NBA Rumors: 76ers 'Expected' to Show Interest in Rockets' James Harden

According to a report from The Athletic, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pursue Houston Rockets star James Harden this offseason.

Justin Grasso | Nov 3, 2020

It didn't take very long for things to get interesting for the Philadelphia 76ers this week. On Monday, the team made it official when they announced the hiring of former Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey. After stepping down as Houston's GM last month, Morey signed a five-year deal to become the Sixers' newest President of Basketball Operations.

Considering Morey and the 76ers' General Manager Elton Brand are both recognized as deal-makers around the NBA, many expect the Sixers to be active in the trade market this year. Now, barely 24 hours since the Sixers hired Morey officially, there's a report out there mentioning Philly is expected to target Rockets star James Harden this year.

"I'm told Philadephia is expected to be interested in pursuing James Harden," Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Tuesday afternoon. "[Harden], the Rockets star, who Daryl Morey has a history with -- but as well, other teams also express interest. As of right now, it is an emphatic no from the Rockets side. It's really a non-starter for that organization. Daryl Morey, though, has a history of being active on the trade market, pursuing the different opportunities that may exist out there."

Knowing the Sixers could target James Harden this season is far from a surprise. Considering Morey was a member of the Rockets' front office when Houston acquired Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012, it's not a shock the former Rockets GM would like to bring his top star to his new town.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, Houston doesn't seem all that eager to part with Harden right now. Perhaps, Morey could dangle one of Philly's two top stars along with younger players and future draft picks, but it's unclear what could move the needle for the Rockets in a deal involving Harden.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_

Published Nov 3, 2020

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA