Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden will opt into the final season of his $35.6 million contract with the idea that the Sixers will trade Harden, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until there is a resolution.
Harden, the 2017-18 regular-season NBA MVP, was expected to become a free agent with the possibility of re-signing with Philadelphia or returning to Houston.
Harden averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season while shooting 44.1% from the field and 38.5% from three. But the 33-year-old’s best, most consistent days are behind him.
A team acquiring Harden in a trade will get the seven-time All-NBA selection knowing that he will be a free agent after next season.
If Harden doesn’t remain with Philadelphia and doesn’t go back to Houston where he spent eight-plus seasons − and those scenarios appear unlikely − Harden’s next stop will be his fourth team in four seasons.
ESPN and The Athletic reported the Los Angeles Clippers and New York could emerge as destinations for Harden.
Expect Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey to take several phone calls on potential trade scenarios for Harden as the Sixers try to add players who can help the franchise win a title with MVP center Joel Embiid.
