In recent weeks, reports linking James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have swelled. Whether it’s ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline or this summer’s free agency, credible news seems to suggest Philadelphia is a major threat to pry him from the Brooklyn Nets at some point.
Complicating matters is the Sixers’ financials, given they’re already a luxury tax team and Harden can command a record-setting contract this summer. Needing to free up significant cap space to land him removes some of the leverage they could have over Brooklyn in current negotiations or in a sign-and-trade after the season (a straight Ben Simmons-for-Harden swap isn’t financially tenable for Philadelphia, for what it’s worth).