Report: 76ers To Trade James Harden, Clippers & Knicks Said to be Interested

The Philadelphia 76ers will work with James Harden on a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks said to be interested

All Raptors Staff | Jun 29, 2023

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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James Harden is once again on the move.

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly working to find a trade for Harden who picked up his $ 35.6 million player option for next season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are believed to be among the teams interested in acquiring the 33-year-old guard.

Harden had long been connected to the Houston Rockets as a potential landing spot should he opt out of his contract. His decision to opt in likely takes the Rockets off the table, leaving Houston with a league-leading $62 million in cap space to pursue free agents this summer.

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is widely expected to be Houston’s target in free agency, per multiple reports. He had initially been considered a backup plan should the Rockets miss out on Harden.

Harden is expected to sign an extension with his new team once a trade is facilitated.

Former Raptors coach Nick Nurse, who joined the 76ers this summer, had said he’d be “very happy” if Harden were to stay in Philadelphia next season. It’s unclear if Philadelphia’s position changed on Harden or if Harden has asked to be traded.

Harden averaged 21 points and a league-leading 10.7 assists per game last season while shooting 38.5% from three-point range.

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