Sixers working with James Harden to find a trade after opt-in

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — James Harden picked up his $35.6 millioncontract option for next season with the Philadelphia 76ers, withthe franchise exploring trades to move the veteran scorer, a personfamiliar with the decision told The Associated Press.

Harden informed the 76ers of his choice Thursday ahead of the 5p.m. deadline to pick up the option, according to the person whospoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the decision wasnot made public.

The 33-year-old Harden could have declined the option anddecided to try for free agency. The Sixers had the right to offerhim a $210 million, four-year deal, $8 million more overall thanany other team.

But the person who talked to the AP on anonymity Thursday saidit while it wasn’t definite Harden would be traded, the playernicknamed The Beard expressed a desire to win a championship —which he has yet to do in his career that dates to his 2009 rookieseason — in Philadelphia or with another contender.

The 76ers, per league rules, could not talk contract withHarden’s representatives before Friday and they were set to abideby the terms after they were found guilty of tampering lastoffseason and ultimately stripped of second-round draft picks.

The stage, though, seems set for yet another blockbuster Hardentrade after he forced his way out of Houston and Brooklyn.

BREAKING: 76ers G James Harden is picking uphis $35.6 million option and sides are beginning to work togetherin exploring trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN. It’s expected thatHarden has played his last game for Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/GguWgysfNZ

Nick Nurse, hired last month as Philadelphia’s coach, hasstumped for Harden’s return.

“James has a decision to make, and I’d be very happy if he cameback,” Nurse said this month.

Sixers forward Tobias Harris, himself in a bit of a contractquandary this summer and a perfect package fit in a Harden trade,said this week he wanted Harden back on the team.

“There’s not many guys that can go out and drop 40 in a playoffgame. I think that goes under the radar a little bit too much,”Harris said. “I think James is a phenomenal player, somebody whoworks his tail off, and somebody’s who’s an overall great leader.Of course I want him back.”

But it appears playing as the second option behind NBA MVP JoelEmbiid and chasing a championship in Philly is no longer seriouslyon the table.

Harden led the NBA in assists last season with 10.7 per game butit was his wildly fluctuating offense that frustrated Sixers fansand helped doom them in the Eastern Conference second-round loss toBoston.

Harden, acquired at the 2022 trade deadline from Brooklyn forBen Simmons, scored 45 points in Game 1 and 42 in Game 4 victoriesagainst the Celtics. Harden, who turns 34 in August, and was 0 for6 on 3s in Game 2 and Game 6 losses. He scored only nine points inGame 7, and he went scoreless in the second half.

Harden blossomed into an insolation superstar in Houston but haslargely deferred to Embiid with the Sixers.

Team president Daryl Morey, who traded to bring Harden toHouston a decade ago, needs to get a big return in any deal withthe Sixers in win-now mode. The Sixers have limited salary capspace, making it all but impossible to sign a quality free agent,especially one with Harden’s pedigree.

So now they’ll look to get assets in a deal — a common factor inHarden’s career. If Harden is traded, per NBA rules, he would haveto play under his 2023-24 contract and would not be eligible forfree agency until next season.

Harden is a 10-time All-Star but essentially forced his way withtrades out of Houston and Brooklyn.

The Rockets traded Harden to the Nets in January 2021 where hewas expected to form a championship trio with Kevin Durant andKyrie Irving. When the Big 3 fizzled, Harden was sent a year laterto the Sixers for the disgruntled Simmons.

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option with the 76ersfor last season and instead agreed to a two-year deal that willpaid him $32 million in 2022-23. It included a player option forthis coming season. He opted out of an old deal ahead of lastseason to stay with the 76ers and made about $14.5 million lesslast season than he could have earned under his previouscontract.

The seven-time All-NBA player is a member of the league’s 75thanniversary team.