A top NBA insider has revealed the reason why the Philadelphia 76ers are now the favorites in the James Harden free-agent chase.
Without a doubt, James Harden is the biggest name in NBA free agency this summer. It is also proof of how weak this year’s class is that the 33-year-old is the best available talent on the market. But despite his obvious age-based decline, he is still a superstar talent. And where he will land next month has been a top story this offseason.
Related: Detroit Pistons register interest in trading for Philadelphia 76ers star
For months, there have been rumblings that not only are the Houston Rockets making their former star a top priority in NBA free agency, but that the 14-time All-Star is very much open to a reunion with the franchise he forced a trade from in 2020.
However, over the last couple of weeks, the narrative has shifted dramatically to the Philadelphia 76ers becoming the favorite to re-sign the second-best star on their team.
James Harden likely to return to the 76ers for 1 major reason
It was a surprising change since it almost seemed like an eventuality that James Harden was headed back to Houston. However, on Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein spilled the tea on the rumored reason for the switch in the Harden NBA free agency chase.
“Among the whispered reasons for the change in forecast: Word is Harden came away from his introductory meeting with new Sixers coach Nick Nurse intrigued by Nurse’s vision.”
– Marc Stein
To many, former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse being hired to replace fired head coach Doc Rivers was seen as a lateral move. However, Rivers was believed to be part of the reason why Harden was ready for life after the Philadelphia 76ers. Clearly, there is a big difference between Nurse and Rivers, and that is being able to gain the interest of the star free agent.
- James Harden stats (’22-’23): 21.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 39% 3 PT
It also helps that the 76ers can offer a better overall deal than the Rockets as well.