What's The ‘Quiet’ Speculation About James Harden, Chris Paul?
Several veteran point guards could be the face of NBA free agency in 2023.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will be one, as he wrapped up his contract and will seek out a new one come July. Then, there’s Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden, who is expected to decline his player option with the Sixers, allowing him to discuss deals with other suitors.
Lastly, there’s Chris Paul, who is currently under contract with the Phoenix Suns. Unlike Harden, Paul doesn’t have a player option he’s mulling over. Instead, he has a partially guaranteed salary for the next couple of weeks, which could lead Phoenix to ultimately waiving Paul.
While initial reports suggested that would be the case, Paul remains under contract with the Suns. However, Phoenix still isn’t guaranteed to keep the veteran guard on board. There are several scenarios on the table. And trading Paul is certainly a possibility for Phoenix.
That’s where the scenario gets interesting for the Sixers.
Could Philadelphia Get Involved?
Earlier this week, we suggested that Chris Paul’s situation out in Phoenix, along with Harden potentially leaving the Sixers for good could leave Philadelphia’s front office to consider bringing in Paul as a Plan B for the 2023-2024 season.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, there’s been a Harden-Paul swap scenario that has “quietly circulated around some league personnel.”
“A reunion between Harden and Durant makes for great fodder, and the bearded point guard could feasibly pick up his 2023-24 player option on the condition Philadelphia trades him to the Suns. You may remember Paul pulled that exact maneuver to join Harden in Houston in 2017. Harden, though, stands to gain quite a bit more financially from either staying pat with the 76ers or returning to the Rockets and their $60-plus million in waiting cap space.”
Earlier this week, ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne ignited Harden-to-Phoenix discussion by mentioning that the star guard is somebody to keep an eye on if the Suns indeed move on from Paul in the end.
While Phoenix was mentioned as a possible dark horse candidate to land Harden last month after the 76ers’ playoff run ended, the rumor didn’t pick up much steam until now.
The Sixers and the Rockets are still viewed as the top two favorites to land Harden at this time. But the Suns’ situation with Paul is something to pay attention to, as it could impact the point guard market in the coming weeks.
