NBA Rumors: Harden Eyed By 76ers But Pursuit Likely Futile, Find Out Why

The Philadelphia 76ers know that the team that has strong links to James Harden of the Houston Rockets is the Brooklyn Nets. However, this has not stopped the Sixers from entertaining thoughts about possibly acquiring the 2018 NBA MVP.

The Sixers are interested in Harden but will need to decide which player to give up. Aware that it will take much to get Harden, most see it as a choice between Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, The Athletic reported.

But aside from the player and assets that the Sixers can offer, there looms a big problem. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is not open to discussing a deal with Philly, particularly with its new President of Basketball Operations – Daryl Morey, The Ringer reported. The name should not be surprising to most since Morey was formerly with the Rockets. He was named to the position just last month.

Fertitta is not interested in dealing with Morey, regardless of how massive the offer may be. The relationship of the two is strained, meaning Philly may have to look at someone else.

Regardless, the 76ers’ chances were not looking good, to begin with. The Nets loom as his preferred destination. It would reunite him with friends Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving which would instantly make Brooklyn an NBA title-favorite.

As of this writing, nothing has been set. The Nets are said to be discussing this with the Rockets but no significant progress has been made.

Harden passed up the chance to be the first NBA player to earn $50 million in a season recently. Houston dangled a $103 million two-year contract extension which the 31-year-old guard rejected.

Houston stands to lose two of its main stars this offseason. Before Harden, Westbrook had already sought a trade from Rockets management. The New York Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets were mentioned as possible destinations but the $132 million deal tied to the former NBA MVP is something that interested teams are wary about.

Multiple NBA teams are expected to look into possibly acquiring either Harden or Westbrook. With the 2020 NBA Draft over and done with, attention now shifts to the free agency market and team trades.