The Philadelphia 76ers are said to be asking an exorbitant price for James Harden.
The former MVP doesn’t want to stay with the team anymore, but has opted out for the final year of his contract, hoping to find a new home via trade.
That would be easier said than done, as Daryl Morey is a tough negotiator, and unlike the Los Angeles Clippers, there hasn’t been much interest in Harden’s services.
However, it looks like the Sixers could use a veteran to sweeten the deal a bit, as Legion Hoops reports that PJ Tucker could be included along with Harden as a package deal.
Many people around the league believe James Harden and PJ Tucker will be put together in a deal to the Clippers, according to multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/qF9pqlax3L
– LegionHoops July 6, 2023
Ironically, Tucker could be a more desirable commodity around the league than Harden at this point in his career.
Not to take a shot at Harden, but his big contract, impending free agency, history of injuries and off-the-field activities — not to mention his poor outings in the playoffs — make him a risky bet.
Tucker, on the other hand, is on a friendly deal with the team and is the kind of head-turning defender, leader, and role-player that all teams seek to get him at a discount when he becomes available.
However, Morey has been known to make deals as long as possible.
He’ll never show his hand and won’t agree to a major deal unless he’s 110% confident he’s on the winning end of that deal, so it could be weeks – or even months – before we see Harden on new leads, barring a major turn of events.
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