NBA Fans Are Speculating About Blockbuster James Harden Trade
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
So much for the idea that James Harden was going to remain in Philadelphia.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that Harden is exercising his $35.6 million option for next season so that he and the Sixers can work on potential trade scenarios.
Wojnarowski added that the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are "expected to be among the teams" that will speak with the Sixers about acquiring the 10-time All-Star.
Wojnarowski's report has NBA fans and media alike buzzing.
"Looks like the Nets may not have been the problem," said Sports Illustrated's Robin Lundberg,
"Sixers fans really on this app thinking we can get an All-Star in return lol. It’s a sign and trade for a 34-year-old playoff choker. We getting 2 bench players and still gonna have no cap to sign anyone," lamented a Philadelphia fan.
"The Fred VanVleet & Nick Nurse reunion seems inevitable now. #wethenorth #sixers," said a fan who now expects VanVleet to wind up in Philly.
"The Clippers have me all in on a trade for James Harden. I would like to congratulate this franchise for doing this to me," chimed in a Clippers fan and podcaster.
"Whoever gets James Harden is going to get a player on the decline and a player who has consistently under performed in the playoffs," another commenter said.
In 79 regular season games over one-plus seasons with Philadelphia, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 10.6 assists and 6.4 rebounds per outing.
In 23 playoff outings, those numbers dipped 19.4 points, 8.4 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game.
