Sixers to Pursue James Harden Even if Rockets Say No for Now

The Philadelphia 76ers are interested in James Harden. According to a report from Shams Charania, the Rockets are currently not entertaining thoughts of trading their superstar guard but with former Rockets GM Daryl Morey now in Philly, who knows what the Sixers can pull off:

“I’m told Philadelphia is expected to be interested in and pursue James Harden”

Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports a Harden move for Houston is currently a non-starter. pic.twitter.com/7JaZH69WLt

— Stadium (@Stadium) November 3, 2020

Morey completed more trades than anybody except well, the Sixers during his tenure as GM of the Rockets. He turned the Rockets into one of the elites in the league and with Doc Rivers as the new coach in Philly, there’s no doubt he will try to do the same with the Sixers.

Underachieving Sixers

The underachieving Sixers only have the 6th best odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1200 with the Bucks(+375), Celtics (+425), Nets (+425), Heat (+450), and Raptors (+750) having better chances of representing the East in the 2021 NBA Finals according to the top sportsbooks.

Philadelphia made the playoffs as the 6th seed in the East in 2020. They lost to the Celtics in round one and offered limited resistance. Brett Brown was fired in the aftermath and Philadelphia went on to hire Doc Rivers after he quit his post with the Clippers. In a bolder move, the Sixers recently hired former Rockets GM Morey as their head of basketball operations.

During his term with the Rockets, Morey pulled off more trades than anyone except the Sixers. Now he heads to Philadelphia with a cast that is led by Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris. Morey is infatuated with Embiid so there’s no way Joel is going to be part of any trade.

However, with Ben Simmons’ outside shot still missing, there is a possibility that the Aussie could be Morey’s trade bait, if ever.

Small Ball Didn’t Work

Meanwhile, the Rockets are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the 4th best odds to win the Western Conference next season at +1200. Only the Los Angeles Lakers (+275), L.A. Clippers (+350), and the  Golden State Warriors (+400) having better odds of winning the West in 2021.

Houston finished with the 4th best record during the 2019-20 season but they fell to the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. Mike D’Antoni quit as head coach after the season and GM Morey also resigned. However, team owner Tillman Fertitta made it clear that he isn’t breaking up the band this season. New head coach Stephen Silas is known for his work with playmakers like Steph Curry, Kemba Walker, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James so he should have a good working relationship with Harden and Westbrook.

D’Antoni’s small-ball basketball didn’t work out last season and it’s doubtful if the Rockets will go that route with their new coach. However, with a lot of money tied to the salaries of Harden, Westbrook, and Eric Gordon, the Rockets cannot make plenty of moves during the free agency period. Everyone agrees that trading Westbrook is going to be very difficult given his game and his huge salary. But Harden is a different story.

Launched to Stardom in Houston

Harden was the 6th man in an ultra-talented team that had Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka. When it was time to make salary cap decisions, Harden was let go and it was Morey who brought him to Houston. Under Morey and D’Antoni, Harden flourished in the Rockets’ system. He became one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the game and won MVP honors in 2018.

Harden is fifth in the current odds board to win the 2021 NBA MVP award. According to SportsBetting.ag, only Luka Doncic (+500), Giannis Antetokounmpo (+600), LeBron James (+600), and Stephen Curry (+700) have better odds than Harden who is currently listed at +800 in the MVP odds list.

But while Harden has reached the peak of individual success in Houston, team success has been far and elusive. They were one win away from the NBA Finals in 2018 but they squandered a 3-1 lead to the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets have not gone that far ever since and while Harden has not asked to be traded, he may feel alone without Morey and D’Antoni in Houston. It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds.