Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season, as the franchise will explore trade options, according to a ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
BREAKING: 76ers G James Harden picks up his $35.6 million option and the two sides begin working together exploring trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN. Harden is expected to play his last game for Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/GguWgysfNZ
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2023
James Harden to work with the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade
According to Wojnarowski, Harden is expected to play his last game for the Sixers as President of Basketball Operations, and Daryl Morey will begin working on commercial offers.
Reports indicate that the Sixers began offering trade offers to the former MVP after Harden informed the team of his intent to sign up for the final year of his contract.
If Harden opted out, he could have signed a four-year, $213 million contract in free agency. Given his age and declining playing field, it was unlikely that Harden would be offered the cap.
Harden was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. Harden and Paul Millsap went to the Sixers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and two first-round picks.
In 79 regular season games across a season and a half, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 10.6 assists.
However, Harden could not help the Sixers overcome a 20-year Eastern Conference Finals drought, having fallen to the Conference Semifinals the past two seasons.
The Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks have an interest in acquiring James Harden
The Clippers and Knicks are expected to be among the teams that will partner with the Sixers in a potential deal for James Harden, ESPN sources report. https://t.co/NQ5Y6xkvAx
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2023
Wojnarowski reports that the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are among the teams that will inquire about a deal for Harden.
The Clippers need a guard, as Russell Westbrook hits free agency. Harden provides much-needed playmaking and ball handling to a team where its two best players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, frequently miss games due to injury.
The New York Knicks are coming off a successful 2022-2023 campaign, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the playoffs before losing to the Miami Heat in the second round. Jalen Brunson was a great addition, but the team needs another offensive innovator like Harden to pair up with Brunson in the backcourt.
Although Harden is no longer playing like the MVP, the 33-year-old is still an All-Star guard. In 2022, Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists.