On May 18, Beijing time, according to Chris Haynes, Harden plans to refuse to carry out the final year of $35.6 million player option, jump out of the contract to become a free agent, and he will seek a new contract for 4 years. Brad Hall of Fame Adam Wells analyzed Harden's whereabouts as a three-choice choice, along with the Rockets and Suns in addition to the 76ers. The latest odds show that if Harden leaves the 76ers, the Rockets are the top favorite, and the Suns have soared to the second place.
It's no surprise that Harden wants a long-term contract, having received a salary cut of about $15 million last season and re-signing with the 76ers to give them more flexibility to strengthen the roster, and this offseason is expected to be Harden's last chance to get a big contract. The 33-year-old is no longer in his prime, although he is still averaging 10.7 assists per game this season, ranking first in the league. Of the three potential teams, who is the best fit for Harden?
Houston Rockets
Woj reported in December that Harden could return to the Rockets. At the time, Woj wrote: "Harden and his inner circle have been considering the possibility of returning to Houston in recent months. ”
However, Haynes pointed out in the latest report that Harden only wants to go to a team that is competitive on the roster and allows him to be free to be his own. The Rockets don't seem to meet either of those criteria, as they're already building around a young core lineup that includes the likes of Green, Smith and Porter.
After the lottery results are confirmed, the No. 4 pick in 2023 may be added to this list, although some US media have pointed out that the Rockets may peddle this pick in preparation for actively promoting the signing of Harden.
Rockets coach Uduka is a "defense first" principle with the Celtics and has succeeded, will he need a star like Harden? Harden certainly contributes to the Rockets' box office, as he's a legend in the team's history. However, Harden's reunion with the Rockets at this stage of his career will not make much sense for either side, unless the only goal for both parties is short-term financial returns.
Philadelphia 76ers
Although Harden did not perform well against the Celtics' G6 and G7, 76ers fans are ready to open a new chapter, and the two sides still need each other. The change is the first step in the 76ers' plan to keep Harden. D'Antoni is an obvious candidate because he and Harden worked very well together while on the Rockets.
If Harden leaves, the 76ers have no obvious way to add another high-level player, and salary expert Bobby Marks said that if Harden were to sign directly with another team with salary space, Philadelphia would only be eligible for full mid-range ($12.2 million value).
If management can successfully trade Tobias Harris' expiring contract, it will help strengthen the squad. Harden still hasn't proven himself to be a reliable player in the playoffs, as has Embiid. In the best-of-seven battle against the Green Army, the MVP shot 5-of-18 from the field and scored only 15 points.
Phoenix Sun
The new owner Ishbia acted decisively, traded for Durant in February, and immediately fired coach Monty after exiting the second round of the playoffs. There are already potential deals for Paul and Ayton.
It was previously reported that the Suns are expected to explore Paul's deal, and Haynes' latest report says the Suns are likely to guarantee Paul's $30.8 million salary in full, and they must make a decision by June 29. If the Sun had laid off Paul before this date, Paul's salary would only be guaranteed at $15.8 million.
BR reporters said that the Suns may contact the Pacers about a potential deal for Ayton, after the Suns matched the Pacers' four-year offer of 133 million to keep Ayton. In addition, the Blazers may also be interested in Ayton.
Paul's future is closely related to the Suns' potential pursuit of Harden, because both play point guards, and if the Suns want Harden, they have to clear space. However, Harden could not solve the Suns' roster depth problem, Durant came to the Suns and improved their offensive strength, but they lost excellent puzzle pieces such as Bridges and Johnson, and the roster depth was greatly hit, and they were eliminated in this year's playoffs.
Harden Next Home odds update
If Harden eventually leaves the 76ers, his latest next odds show that the Rockets-400 leads strongly, and the Suns +300 soars to second place, after the Suns did not appear on the list. The Lone Ranger, in third place, is +1400, which is already a big gap between the first two teams, followed by the Heat, Knicks and Hawks. As explained earlier, the 76ers, Rockets, and Suns are truly meaningful choices, and Harden is likely to go through a three-choice choice question next. Which team do you think Harden will eventually wear in the jersey?