Photo of James Harden with Suns star goes viral amid trade rumors
With rumors swirling regarding his future whereabouts, James Harden pulled up to Michael Rubin's annual white party in the Hamptons to enjoy the festivities on the 4th of July. With some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment in attendance, a photo of Harden pictured alongside Rubin, NFL legend Tom Brady and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker got the internet buzzing.
Of course, the Phoenix Suns are in desperate need of a point guard after trading away Chris Paul earlier this offseason. Harden, who was once viewed as one of the league's most lethal scorers, has flourished in a facilitator role with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 10.5-plus assists per game in back-to-back seasons. Harden also has a history of playing alongside Suns forward Kevin Durant, as the duo crossed paths during their times with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets.
Furthermore, Harden has been linked to Phoenix this summer, with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne floating the former MVP as a replacement for Paul last month. However, the Suns' acquisition of Bradley Beal greatly mitigates the likelihood of Harden making his way to The Valley.
Harden, who will turn 34 in August, exercised his $35.6 million option last week in hopes of working with the Sixers on finding a trade. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (via Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports) the Sixers "would still love to keep" Harden in Philadelphia. Yet, the team has a ways to go if they hope to sway Harden, who according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, is “extremely upset" with the Sixers and has made his "dissatisfaction clear to the organization.”
The Los Angeles Clippers remain the frontrunners to land Harden this offseason but don't be surprised if more suitors emerge for Harden once the Damian Lillard trade gets sorted out.
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