The James Harden situation heading into NBA free agency is already a huge storyline around the Association. There is no guarantee that the former league MVP is going to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers once he ultimately opts out of his contract.
Harden has been linked to one Western Conference team on a near never-ending loop. And while finances will dictate interest, contenders will do what’s possible to land someone of his ilk. Below, we look at four ideal James Harden landing spots in NBA free agency.
Related: Sportsnuat’s updated NBA trade rumors
Philadelphia 76ers
Re-signing with Philadelphia always made the most sense for James Harden. Sure, the 76ers fell short of expectations this past season. But the 76ers aren’t going to find a better running partner for reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid.
From Harden’s perspective, this is the best equipped team out of any of his realistic options to compete for an NBA title over the short term. The presence of stud young guard Tyrese Maxey adds another layer to that. Harden’s relationship with Philadelphia front office head Daryl Morey does, too.
Perhaps, Harden pulls a power play with Philadelphia heading into NBA free agency. The 76ers will have two future first-round picks and Tobias Harris’ contract to offer up after the 2023 NBA Draft. Could this power play include the former NBA MVP demanding an upgrade for a third option behind himself and Embiid? That seems to be the likeliest scenario.
Related: Top 2023 NBA free agents, including James Harden
Houston Rockets
We’ve read the reports. Harden is seriously considering a return to the very same Rockets team he played for from 2013 to early in the 2020-21 campaign. There are several intriguing reasons why. James Harden seems to feel more at home in Houston than anywhere else. He built a presence in the city during his time with the Rockets and has family residing there.
From an on-court perspective, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is going to do everything possible this summer to return the organization to relevance after a 60-loss season. That already includes bringing in head coach Ime Udoka.
Houston has the assets (No. 4 pick in 2023 NBA Draft, future draft capital and young guard Jalen Green) to add even more talent to the mix behind Harden. It is also projected to have an NBA-high $65.13 million in cap room heading into free agency.
Read more: Full 2023 NBA mock draft
San Antonio Spurs
Why would a team that lost 60 games a season ago entice Harden? Two individuals. Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama. There is not a star player in the NBA who has not expressed interest in playing for Popovich. He’s an all-timer as a head coach.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama will soon be the No. 1 overall pick of the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s seen as a generational talent. The 7-foot-4 big man is more than prepared to be an All-Star out of the gate. That’s not hyperbole.
If the Spurs are serious about returning to playoff contention, adding a star to team up with Wembanyama makes a ton of sense. They are also projected to have north of $43 million in cap room while boasting a ton of assets in terms of future first-round picks and young players to make a separate trade for another star.
Related: 2023 NBA salary cap tracker
Miami Heat
Miami’s run through the Eastern Conference notwithstanding, front office head Pat Riley is going to look for a running partner with Jimmy Butler this summer. Consistent contention in the Eastern Conference will rely on this.
As a ball-dominant guard, James Harden seems to be a perfect fit with Butler in Miami’s backcourt. Add in Bam Adebayo in the low-post, and that’s an elite-level trio.
- James Harden stats (2022-23): 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 44% shooting, 39% 3-point
This scenario would rely on Miami and Philadelphia coming together in a sign-and-trade. While it’s unlikely given that they are conference rivals, the 76ers wouldn’t want to lose Harden for nothing if he opts to leave. Acquiring Tyler Herro and other assets in a sign-and-trade would lessen the blow of losing Harden.