Sixers Rumors: What James Harden Deal Did Philly Have In Mind?

Why is James Harden disgruntled this summer?

The Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to wait on a James Harden negotiation this summer caused the ten-time All-Star to feel slighted. As Harden entered the 2023 offseason fully expecting to garner a contract offer in the max range from the Sixers and the Houston Rockets, The Beard was disappointed to find out that both teams were on different pages.

Houston had interest in Harden for sure, but the reunion wouldn’t come at the cost of a max contract. As the Rockets remain a rebuilding-caliber roster, Houston found it more productive to sign some younger free agents rather than go back to their former franchise player, who just missed the All-Star game for the first time in a decade. 

Houston offered a max contract to the former Toronto Raptors guard, Fred VenVleet. They also gave an expensive contract to former Memphis Grizzlies sharpshooter Dillon Brooks. Once those two landed on Houston’s radar, it was clear the Sixers had the advantage in the Harden market.

But it turns out the advantage won’t favor the Sixers after all. While a lack of a market for Harden was a sign the Sixers wouldn’t have to bet big on the star guard, the proposal the Sixers reportedly had in mind wasn’t aligned with Harden’s thought process.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopHype, the Sixers’ best offer would’ve been “something along the lines of a two-year deal, which would’ve included a team option.” Harden, who wanted long-term financial stability, isn’t interested in a short-term deal that includes an option on the team side.

Now, the Sixers are left with a disgruntled guard who could serve more as a distraction sooner than later. Harden’s decision to pick up his player option for the 2023-2024 season came as a shock to many initially. Now knowing he likely wouldn’t receive an offer that includes over $35 million for next season, his decision to return to the Sixers, for now, makes sense from a financial standpoint.

Harden remains untraded at this point in the offseason, and his market still seems dry. That leaves the Sixers waiting for the moment when things heat up more. While time typically heals all, Harden’s history in recent times shows that when his mind is set on being traded, he eventually sees his wishes granted. After all, that’s how he landed in Philadelphia in the first place.

One might’ve assumed that Harden’s close relationship with Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey could’ve played a part in the ten-time All-Star being convinced to stay, but that’s apparently no longer the case. Per Scotto’s latest reporting on the situation, Morey and Harden aren’t on the best terms as of now. 

Anything can happen in the NBA, but Harden hasn’t changed his mind in the slightest, which leaves the Sixers potentially entering another training camp with a disgruntled guard.