NBA Trade Rumors: 76ers interested in Houston’s star player James Harden

James+Harden+%28middle%29+alongside+with+potential+star+teammates+representing+the+Philadelphia+76ers%0ACredit%3A+Basketball+Forever+via+Twitter

James Harden (middle) alongside with potential star teammates representing the Philadelphia 76ers Credit: Basketball Forever via Twitter

Felipe Villanueva, Contributing Writer

According to the NBA Insider, it was reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to trade with the Houston Rockets’ very own James Harden. The potential trade could reunite Harden with Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations for the 76ers. However, the Houston Rockets aren’t expected to trade, since Harden is still owed $85.7 million over the next two years, as well as a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season whether he chooses to leave or not. 

The Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after getting called a foul during the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers game during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AventHealth Arena
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last eight years, Houston have consistently reached the playoffs for an opportunity to win it all. Despite making consistent appearances in the playoffs, the Rockets have failed to bring a title home back to Houston. It should also be noted that Morey has a special connection with James Harden, as Morey spent the last 13 years coaching the Houston Rockets and has seen Harden blossom into one of the top players in the league since 2012.

Adding Harden with All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons could make the 76ers an instant title contender. But recent reports suggest Houston isn’t interested in trading its superstar.