James Harden‘s free agency will likely come down to re-signing with the Sixers or signing up for a second stint with the Rockets, Shams Charania of The Athletic said on the Ryen Russillo podcast (hat tip to RealGM). Harden is expected to decline his $35.64MM option.
“I really think he’s torn with the prospect of staying in Philadelphia or moving on to Houston potentially and returning back to his home,” Charania said. “That’s where his roots are and his family there, of course. They (the Rockets) have got upwards of $60 million (in cap space). They can make even more money available. Close to $70 million in cap space.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- As of Monday, neither former Nets coach Steve Nash nor Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez had been invited for a second interview for the Raptors head coaching job, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. However, the front office is taking its time on hiring Nick Nurse’s replacement, so they could eventually be called in for another interview. There’s no immediate need to fill the position, since assistant GM and VP of player personnel Dan Tolzman and his staff are handling draft preparations.
- Speaking of the Raptors’ draft, they hold the No. 13 pick in the first round. Eric Koreen of The Athletic discusses a handful of candidates they could consider at that spot, with Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin and Kansas’ Gradey Dick viewed as the best fits if they’re still available, since the shooting guard position is in flux.
- The Nets’ Ben Simmons posted a couple of workout images on social media, indicating that he has moved from rehab and recovery to getting back on the court, Nets Daily relays. Simmons didn’t play after Feb. 15 due to a nerve impingement in his back. He could be added to Australia’s roster for the FIBA World Cup if he’s healthy enough to play later this summer.
If you’re the Rockets, why would you use a huge chunk of your cap space on a 33 declining guard? Sixers had Embiid, Tobias, and Maxey and still were underdogs vs the Celtics and ultimately lost.
Other than a declining deal that starts at like.. 22M why would the Rockets even get involved? I only see him as an upgrade over KPJ and if they intend to move KPJ.
Also if I’m the Sixers, I’m only offering a declining deal, no contender can give him a deal above 29M. LAL can open up that much but they want Kyrie. Dallas can open up 21M if Kyrie bolts. Will he take that? Everyone else is S&T. So, knowing that the Lakers and Dallas are unlikely. James take 4/100 declining. Team Option for the 4th yr. They’d have to start the deal low enough to ensure they get under the Tax. And trade Tobias for like 5-10M lower overall salary.
I’d ship Green while you can still get some value back then put Porter back at the 2. He could be a mentor type figure for Porter.
You can’t trade Harris, the Sixers have no one to replace his production. It may be expensive production but they don’t have anyone else.
There’s a zero percent chance Green would get dealt before Porter to play the 2. The rockets’ core is Green, Smith, Sengun and Eason.
I know Green won’t get dealt but if he’s part of the core the Rockets are screwed. He’s a strictly worse version of Collin Sexton.
Your comment makes no sense. You want to trade a cheap 20 yo with huge upside? For what? And as for Sexton you speak of him like he’s trash. His defense isn’t up to draft day expectations and he’s definitely more of a SG then point but he’s a legit 3 tier scorer that’s fearless. He’s a career 46/38/82 shooter. Even last year between his early struggles and injuries he still shot 50/39/82. 50/40/90 is considered elite. Kawhi and Durant were the only guys that shot 50/40/80 last year. Not saying Sexton is in their league but he’s an exceptional offensive player as a SG.
I never said Sexton was trash. I said Green is strictly worse. Sexton has come along ways since he was drafted but he still holds on to the ball too long and has tunnel vision. He.does however have a quick first step and an uncanny knack for hitting difficult shots.
Talking about shooting slashes, Green was .426/.343/.797 in his rookie year and .416/.338/.786 his second season. No improvement whatsoever, in fact he got worse. His assists did go up by 1.1 but his turnovers went up by 0.6 as well. He’s young and has some upside so he may get better but at best his trajectory is that of Lou Williams or Jordan Clarkson. Guys you take in the 2nd round, not with 2nd pick. The Rockets should of just taken Evan Mobley.
No
Imagine paying Harden 35.64 million dollars to play ball for your team. I wouldn’t pay him 20 mill. Harden doesn’t play D at all. He doesn’t even try and hide it. Defense is half the game. You can’t win in playoffs if you don’t play D. VanVleet is a much better option for Sixers at PG.
Rockets are FOOLS to sign Harden. Then pay him max. Are these owners that Freakin Dumb. Fertitta doesn’t throw money away. Just can’t see this happening. Imo this Rockets angle is coming from Hardens camp. To drive the price up. Don’t fall for it Philly. Best case scenario is a sign-n-trade with Harden. Just don’t see anyone wanting to pay him much. Moreyon is a fanboy of Harden. It’s clinical ……. so anything could happen here.
15.5 mins, 417/.375/.819, 7.6 pts
26 mins, .428/.341/.794, 15.4 pts
This guy sucked too his first two yrs by your logic. and showed no improvement
“The Black Mamba”
Green played 32 mins, 34.2 mins his first two yrs. And scored 17.3, 22.1 pts.
He is going to be a major star lol. stay tuned
Rockets owner is driving that clown car. Maybe a tough coach can retake the reigns.if we see The Beard return, they can close the door on relevancy for years to come.
Can you imagine what Harden is gonna be like at 36?
Good god.
Harden realizes the faux MVP isn’t winning a championship so now he’s making the best business decision. Everyone gets paid more if he goes to Houston. More fans love him, more international exposure.
Also, on top of more money, the young guys get a mentor. They get some space because Harden is still a threat. And he gets to go home.
Makes sense. It was worth a try but Brooklyn and Philly were a bust… and in the case of Harden, it xan’t all be placed on the Simmons scapegoat.
Simmons posted workout videos?! oh man, Nets are going to the Finals! hahaha
Ultimately, James Harden is torn on which city has the better strippers.
I personally think Jordi Fernandez will be a good head coach at some point, and even though you would think maybe a couple of more years, I think he would fit that roster in Toronto
No to Harden. I know this has been circulating for weeks but goodness. Is this really a thing or just manufactured media to create drama?
The Rockets are definitely bringing back Harden and are going to offer the Raptors KP Jr,KM Jr and 3rd overall pick in the upcoming draft and 2025 first round pick (top 5 protected)and 2027 first round pick (top 7 protected) for Spicy P! I could see Chris Paul sign 1 yr min deal if the first two players are in Houston. I can also see the Rockets trying to nab Zach Lavine for a good deal.
Nothing personal but pls keep Simmons off Boomers. He didn’t care for Australia when he was good and healthy, and why should Australia care for him now? He is liability and they have a much better chance for Gold without Simmons.
Ben Simmons should just go away …… go to Taiwan, I mean.
I am hopeful Simmons had a come to Jesus meeting! His talent is unmatched. It is good for the NBA if he puts in the work.
I don’t understand why people talk poorly of Harden. I watch every 76ers game, and he had a great season. He should have been named to the initial All Star team, but wasn’t bc of games missed to injury early on. He was asked to play as an injury replacement but declined. He led the NBA in assists,w/10.7/game, 21 pts/game, 6.1 eeb./game, and shot the best 3pt%.38.7% of his career and had 2 40+ pts/game vs Bos. Aside from that, he GAVE $15M of last years salary to the team to get more help, was in the best condition of his career, and changes how gw played the game and was great at it.He & Joel were the best tandem in the NBA last season.
The only things that stopped Philadelphia from playing in the finals this year were 1) BRK taking aim at Embiid with hard/cheap for the entire game 3 , which tore his LCL. He played at about 60% health vs BOS. #2) Doc Rivers is probably the worst coach at making adjustments in game in NBS history. Take the u6ers to win it in 2024!