The Sacramento Kings are interested in trading for Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden, according to Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and will work with the Sixers on a trade. The Kings, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are interested in acquiring “The Beard.”
The Sacramento #Kings are one of the teams interested in acquiring James Harden from the #76ers, per source.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) June 29, 2023
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists this past season while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The 10-time All-Star led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career and helped the Sixers win 54 games.
However, Philly lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series.
Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse was hired by the Sixers. Harden and Nurse met a few weeks ago in Houston and the meeting was productive. However, since the Sixers are not comfortable offering Harden a max contract, the lefty has decided to move on.
Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. He is still looking to win his first championship.
The Kings made the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2006. Even though Sacramento lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2023 postseason in seven games, the franchise has a bright future with Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter leading the way and they could potentially compete for a championship next season with Harden in the mix.
It will certainly be fascinating to see where Harden is playing next season.
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