NBA rumors: James Harden expected to return to Philadelphia on a shorter-term deal

With a few weeks remaining for the start of the free agency period, James Harden seems that he will re-join the Philadelphia 76ers on a shorter-term contract extension, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports.

The Sixers are seemingly reluctant to offer the full max to Harden. The Beard is eligible for a max extension this summer, but the two sides will likely aim for more flexibility and create a new “three-year framework”, per Fischer.

The veteran star guard is expected to opt in for the last year of his current deal, a player option worth $47.4 million. The Sixers will do anything to maximize their potential championship window with Joel Embiid and James Harden.

The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a blockbuster deal at the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline to acquire the Arizona State product from the Brooklyn Nets, hoping he’d be the perfect piece alongside Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey.

- Advertisement -

The Sixers are already exploring trade options and gauging teams’ interest on several players in the current roster. More specifically, the Sixers are willing to part ways with no.23 pick in the 2022 draft and include Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris or Danny Green.

From what we can understand as of now, taking into consideration various reports around the league, the Sixers seems willing to move pieces to improve the team around Embiid, Harden and Maxey.

Philadelphia season’s came to an end in the second round of the 2022 playoff vs the Miami Heat. The Sixers weren’t able to make it in the Eastern Conference but they hope Harden can improve his game after a horrendous playoff run and help Embiid lead the Sixers to glory.

Draft top-5 prospect Jaden Ivey dislikes the idea of joining the Kings

Jaden Ivey is projected to be a top-5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft on June 23. That means he will be in the mix for the Sacramento Kings. However, it seems that Sacramento is among his preferred destinations.

According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN,  Ivey reportedly prefers to not go to the Kings. Ivey has been mentioned as a potential pick for several Top-5 teams including the Rockets, Kings and Pistons.

In this case, and if Sacramento elects to keep the no.4 pick, the candidacy of forward Keegan Murray could take traction, per Givony. The Kings also have the option to trade the pick for a win-now piece, with rival teams referring to Lu Dort, Myles Turner and Jerami Grant as potential targets.

Related articles

Share article

Latest articles

Transfers and Rosters

Newsletter

Subscribe to stay updated.