
<p>As soon as time expired in Denver’s Game 5 victory over <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-bradley-beal-in-case-of-wizards-exit-20230617-SPD-3716.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami</a></strong>, thus securing the franchise’s first NBA title in franchise history, our collective focus shifted from the NBA to the summer. Beginning on June 30, when free agency officially opens, clubs and players may begin discussions for the next <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-targets-for-heat-to-bolster-roster-20230615-SPD-3700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> season.</p>



<p>A few dozen players are actually traded throughout the NBA trade season, but many more are involved in the shuffle. Only a dozen or so players in the NBA at any one moment are completely off-limits.</p>



<p>There is no franchise-altering superstar in the class of 2023 free agents, but there are a few players who may make a splash next year. Even if they don’t make quite as big of an impact this summer, several under-the-radar players might wind up being crucial come the 2023-24 NBA season. </p>



<h2>3. Khris Middleton</h2>



<p>Middleton’s 2022-23 season was marred by an injury, but he made a full recovery and averaged 24 points on 47 percent shooting, 41 percent three-pointers, and 87 percent free throws in the playoffs. Milwaukee probably won’t let him leave as a free agent because of how important he is to the franchise, but he’ll have lots of suitors. </p>



<p>Middleton’s knee surgery came after the Bucks were eliminated from postseason contention. By training camp, he should be well enough to return.</p>



<h2>2. Kyrie Irving</h2>



<p>After playing 20 games with the Mavericks, in which they ultimately gave up on a play-in place, Irving concluded with season-highs of 27 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Despite Dallas’s post-trade struggles, the club was a plus-four in net rating when both Doncic and Irving were on the court, which might prompt the front office to make him an attractive offer.</p>



<p> Even if he doesn’t, there will always be clubs ready to deal with Irving’s off-court issues in order to get their hands on a player of Irving’s quality.</p>



<h2>1. James Harden</h2>



<p>Harden has been effective as the 76ers’ point guard, even if he hasn’t been able to lead them to the playoffs. He led the NBA in assists last season, and he also averaged 21 points per game and his best 3-point shooting since his last season with OKC in 2012. </p>



<p>There has been persistent rumbling that Harden may return to Houston, but the clubhouse favorite is likely to be a reunion with Nick Nurse in Philadelphia.</p>


NBA: Top 3 best free agents that could be available in 2023 - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 best free agents that could be available in 2023

miniaturas


<p>Once again, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-best-players-ever-selected-in-the-nba-draft-second-round-20230326-SPD-3531.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong> came up short. The squad, led by <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-greatest-2023-nba-mvp-award-snubs-20230503-SPD-3616.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joel Embiid</a></strong>, had one of the strongest squads in the NBA this year, but they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the third straight year.</p>



<p>The Sixers have failed to advance to the next round for the fourth time in the last five seasons. They couldn’t get over the hump while Brett Brown was coaching them, and Doc Rivers didn’t help much either.</p>



<p>It’s possible that James Harden may choose a new team for next season now that the season is over and he has the option to forego the last year of his contract. We’ll talk about the three most logical squads here.</p>



<h2>3. Orlando Magic</h2>



<p>The Orlando Magic struggled this year, as seen by their losing record. However, they have a promising young core and are said to be on the lookout for an experienced guard to aid in playmaking.</p>



<p>As a shooting guard who can also run the point, Harden may be useful to the Magic in their quest to play more jumbo lineups. They’re well-armed, young, and financially secure.</p>



<h2>2. Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>Harden, according to the rumor mill, was unhappy playing under coach Doc Rivers. Since Daryl Morey has, predictably, picked him above the coach, he may think twice about leaving the company.</p>



<p>The Philadelphia 76ers were dominant throughout the regular season, and he and Joel Embiid clearly clicked. Next year he might try his luck in free agency after taking the ball back.</p>



<h2>1. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his departure, the Houston Rockets have allegedly shown interest in re-signing Harden. On the other hand, he reportedly wants to make amends with the franchise that helped him to legendary status.</p>



<p>The Rockets won’t be ready to contend right away, but they have a talented group of players, a good head coach, and plenty of resources. That’s a great way to round out his career.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for James Harden in case of 76ers exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for James Harden in case of 76ers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The 15th of December is a pivotal day in the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA season</a></strong>. On that day, teams may begin trading for players who have signed new contracts throughout the offseason. Until then, all transactions involving those players are prohibited. This day is marked on the calendars of every general manager in the league since it marks the unofficial beginning of the trading season, which continues until the trade deadline on Thursday, February 9. </p>



<p>There’s a good reason why not many deals have happened thus far this season. The timing was important because it would allow the front offices to begin collecting more moving pieces. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-three-under-25-players-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221204-SPD-3231.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a></strong> might make a splash at the trade deadline this year to strengthen their squad around LeBron James and Anthony Davis in preparation for a postseason run. </p>



<p>It has been claimed that the New York Knicks are prepared to trade away Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish because of the team’s poor start. As the event approaches, more teams may emerge as contenders. Listed here is every player in the league that may be moved as of December 15, broken down by teams. * These players would have a say in whether or not a deal is made.</p>



<h2>Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>• Aaron Holiday<br>• Frank Kaminsky</p>



<h2>Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>• Danilo Gallinari<br>• Sam Hauser<br>• Luke Kornet<br>• Justin Jackson<br>• Noah Vonleh</p>



<h2>Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>• Kessler Edwards *<br>• Patty Mills<br>• Markieff Morris<br>• Edmond Sumner<br>• T.J. Warren<br>• Yuta Watanabe</p>



<h2>Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>• Goran Dragic<br>• Andre Drummond<br>• Derrick Jones Jr. *</p>



<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers</h2>



<p>• Robin Lopez<br>• Raul Neto<br>• Ricky Rubio</p>



<h2>Dallas Mavericks</h2>



<p>• JaVale McGee<br>• Theo Pinson *</p>



<h2>Denver Nuggets</h2>



<p>• Bruce Brown<br>• DeAndre Jordan<br>• Davon Reed</p>



<h2>Detroit Pistons</h2>



<p>• Marvin Bagley III<br>• Kevin Knox<br>• Rodney McGruder *</p>



<h2>Golden State Warriors</h2>



<p>• Donte DiVincenzo<br>• JaMychal Green</p>



<h2>Indiana Pacers</h2>



<p>• James Johnson<br>• Jalen Smith</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Clippers</h2>



<p>• John Wall</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>• Troy Brown<br>• Thomas Bryant<br>• Damian Jones<br>• Juan Toscano-Anderson<br>• Lonnie Walker</p>



<h2>Miami Heat</h2>



<p>• Udonis Haslem *<br>• Caleb Martin</p>



<h2>Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>• Jevon Carter *<br>• Serge Ibaka *<br>• Joe Ingles<br>• Wesley Matthews *</p>



<h2>Minnesota Timberwolves</h2>



<p>• Kyle Anderson<br>• Bryn Forbes<br>• Nathan Knight<br>• Austin Rivers</p>



<h2>New York Knicks</h2>



<p>• Jalen Brunson<br>• Isaiah Hartenstein<br>• Jericho Sims</p>



<h2>Oklahoma City Thunder</h2>



<p>• Mike Muscala *</p>



<h2>Orlando Magic</h2>



<p>• Bol Bol</p>



<h2>Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>• James Harden *<br>• Montrezl Harrell<br>• Danuel House<br>• P.J. Tucker</p>



<h2>Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>• Bismack Biyombo *<br>• Damion Lee<br>• Josh Okogie</p>



<h2>Portland Trail Blazers</h2>



<p>• Drew Eubanks *<br>• Gary Payton II</p>



<h2>Sacramento Kings</h2>



<p>• Matthew Dellavedova<br>• Chima Moneke<br>• Malik Monk<br>• KZ Okpala</p>



<h2>San Antonio Spurs</h2>



<p>• Gorgui Dieng</p>



<h2>Toronto Raptors</h2>



<p>• Justin Champagnie *<br>• Juancho Hernangomez<br>• Otto Porter Jr.</p>



<h2>Utah Jazz</h2>



<p>• Simone Fontecchio<br>• Collin Sexton</p>



<h2>Washington Wizards</h2>



<p>• Taj Gibson<br>• Anthony Gill<br>• Delon Wright</p>


James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15

James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15 - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>When the <strong>76ers</strong> traded for <strong>James Harden</strong> in the February deadline, it looked like they were finally ready to contend. Though the Beard got off to a promising start, his level eventually declined and he <strong>failed to perform when it mattered the most </strong>last season.</p>



<p><strong>Philadelphia</strong> was out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and much of the blame fell on Harden. Still, the team <strong>decided not to make significant changes this offseason, keeping the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/no-relationship-between-lebron-james-and-kareem-abdul-jabbar-20221005-SPD-2922.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All-Star</a> as well as head coach Doc Rivers.</strong></p>



<p>Despite having the support from <strong>Daryl Morey</strong> and the <strong>Sixers</strong>‘ <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/rob-pelinka-signs-long-term-extension-with-lakers-through-2026-20221009-SPD-2940.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">front office</a>, Harden still has to prove many of his doubters wrong. He may have to post incredible numbers to appease them, <strong>but for him, the ultimate goal is to win a championship.</strong></p>



<h2>James Harden doesn’t care about the stats as long as Sixers win NBA championship</h2>



<p><em>“Me averaging 20 points, averaging damn near a triple-double, us winning at a high rate, one or two seed, giving us a really good chance where we’re all playing really good basketball, or averaging 28 in the same kind of thing —<strong> it’s all the same,</strong>” </em>James Harden told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. <em><strong>“Ultimately, it’s winning a championship. The numbers don’t really mean anything, individually.</strong></em>”</p>


NBA News: James Harden gets real on the importance of his own performances for Sixers

NBA News: James Harden gets real on the importance of his own performances for Sixers - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Unconfirmed reports indicate that <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-james-harden-agrees-to-accept-15m-salary-cut-to-continue-at-76ers-2086-20220708-SPD-2086.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a></strong> will take a significant pay reduction in order to help the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/what-james-harden-needs-to-do-in-order-to-succeed-per-tracy-mcgrady-1672-20220620-SPD-1672.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong> free up more salary cap room for the next 2022–23 NBA season. They have utilized that room to bring in Trevelin Queen, P.J. Tucker, and Danuel House, all of whom were Harden’s teammates in Houston. </p>



<p>Harden’s sacrifice of household income made these deals feasible. In addition, other changes may still be in the works. </p>



<p>. Moreover, the team was able to keep Harden while avoiding a lengthy commitment to an elderly star. Now the shooting guard discussed with <em>Yahoo Sports</em> his decision to sign a contract that benefits the team. </p>



<h2>What James Harden said about decision to take pay cut</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“I had conversations with [Sixers president of basketball operations] Daryl [Morey], and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over. This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”</em></p><p><em>“I don’t really listen to what people are saying. I wasn’t right last season and I still almost averaged a triple-double. If anybody else had those numbers, we’d be talking about them getting the max. People were used to seeing me averaging 40, 30 points, and so they viewed it as a down year. I was in Philadelphia for a couple of months and I had to learn on the fly. That’s just what it was. I’m in a good space physically and mentally right now, and I’m just looking forward to next season.”</em></p><cite>James Harden told <em>Yahoo Sports</em></cite></blockquote>


NBA News: James Harden took pay cut to help 76ers compete for a championship

NBA News: James Harden took pay cut to help 76ers compete for a championship - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Though the expectations were through the roof in <strong>Philadelphia</strong> when the <strong>Sixers</strong> acquired <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/what-james-harden-needs-to-do-in-order-to-succeed-per-tracy-mcgrady-1672-20220620-SPD-1672.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a></strong> in February, things didn’t go according to plan. For the second year in a row, the <strong>76ers</strong> lost in the Conference Semifinals.</p>



<p>The team has to turn the page, however, and <strong>The Beard will have another chance to prove his haters wrong.</strong> There were doubts about his future following his poor ending to the season, but he’s not going anywhere.</p>



<p>Harden even <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-james-harden-agrees-to-accept-15m-salary-cut-to-continue-at-76ers-2086-20220708-SPD-2086.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">took a pay cut</a> to stay in Philly because he <strong>feels he can win there</strong>. This could be one of his last opportunities to secure the elusive ring, but <strong>he is optimistic that he and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-76ers-joel-embiid-perplexed-as-to-why-they-let-jimmy-butler-leave-after-defeat-to-heat-771-20220514-SPD-771.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joel Embiid</a> can do it together.</strong></p>



<h2>James Harden believes he and Joel Embiid can win the ring</h2>



<p><em>“<strong>I talk with Joel frequently and we have meetings about how we’re going to play and what we need to do to help our team win a championship</strong>,”</em> Harden told Chris Haynes of <em>Yahoo Sports</em>. </p>



<p><em>“When you have two of the top players at their positions on the same team, that’s a great building block. We’re going to grow together and try to lead this team to the top.<strong> I believe we can do it together</strong>.”</em></p>


James Harden confident he and Joel Embiid can lead the Sixers to an NBA title

James Harden confident he and Joel Embiid can lead the Sixers to an NBA title - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>According to a report that was published by Shams Charania of <em>The Athletic</em>, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> </strong>intends on signing a new deal with the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-free-agent-veteran-pj-tucker-set-to-join-76ers-1892-20220629-SPD-1892.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong>. This new development would provide the organization with greater freedom to enhance the squad for the next season.</p>



<p>The shooting guard will take a $15 million salary reduction as a result of declining his player option for the 2022-2023 season, which was worth $47 million. It is anticipated that his new contract will be for a period of two years and will include a player option for the second year. </p>



<p>Charania adds that the entire value of the transaction is estimated to be somewhere in the area of $66-68 million dollars, despite the fact that the specifics of the sale are not yet public. This compensation decrease is intended to provide Philadelphia with the freedom necessary to assemble a team that can compete for a title in the next season.</p>



<h2>What Harden’s pay cut means for Sixers</h2>



<p>After using their entire mid-level exception to sign P.J. Tucker and their bi-annual exception to sign Danuel House, the Philadelphia 76ers have now reached their salary ceiling for the season, which is set at about $157 million dollars. Derek Bodner of <em>The Daily Six </em>says that the 76ers should have around $2 million in wiggle space below that hard limit as a result of Harden’s new contract.</p>



<p>During the course of the discussions, Harden’s personal connections with important members of the Sixers organization played a significant role in developing trust between the two parties. Some of those people are said to be the president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and minority owner Michael Rubin.</p>


NBA Free Agency: James Harden agrees to accept $15m salary cut to continue at 76ers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: James Harden agrees to accept $15m salary cut to continue at 76ers


<p>When the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-76ers-joel-embiid-perplexed-as-to-why-they-let-jimmy-butler-leave-after-defeat-to-heat-771-20220514-SPD-771.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong> acquired <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a></strong> in a blockbuster trade with the <strong>Brooklyn Nets</strong>, it made perfect sense. Not only they were landing a star partner for <strong>Joel Embiid</strong>, but they were also parting ways with <strong>Ben Simmons</strong>.</p>



<p>At the beginning, it looked like <em>The Beard</em> was proving them right. In his first games as a <strong>Sixer</strong>, he posted solid numbers and found chemistry with Embiid. But even then, <strong>people wondered for how long he’d keep that level</strong>.</p>



<p>One of the biggest stains in Harden’s career is his <strong>failure to produce when it matters the most</strong>. This season was not the exception, as his performance in the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs <strong>left a lot to be desired</strong>. Many people now wonder whether Harden will ever get back to his best form in Philly. According to <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-wins-first-finals-mvp-award-in-career-1586-20220617-SPD-1586.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> legend <strong>Tracy McGrady</strong>, <strong>he can. But he’ll have to be 100% committed for it.</strong></p>



<h2>Tracy McGrady explains how James Harden can find the best version of himself again</h2>



<p><em>“<strong>To make basketball number one priority</strong>,” </em>McGrady said on the<em> Rich Eisen Show</em>, via <em>Fadeaway World. “<strong>Make winning number one priority. Make 76ers number one priority</strong>. You’re playing with an MVP-caliber guy in Joel Embiid – who I think has changed his mind-frame on how he’s approaching the game now, how he sees the game – and he wants to win. </em></p>



<p>“<em><strong>I think if James can be that solid 20-and-10 type guy that contributes every night for the Sixers, they will be there in the conversation as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.</strong>“</em></p>



<p>Even though some people believe the Sixers should give up on him, there are signs pointing towards a short-term contract extension this offseason. Will Harden prove his doubters wrong? That’s still up to him, but <strong>he’s running out of time</strong> to do so.</p>


What James Harden needs to do in order to succeed, per Tracy McGrady - thesportsdrops NEWS

What James Harden needs to do in order to succeed, per Tracy McGrady


<p>At one time, <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-potential-to-win-deciding-factor-in-bradley-beals-decision-on-future-1445-20220611-SPD-1445.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a></strong> looked destined to opt out of his contract for the 2022-23 season and then re-sign with the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-bulls-turn-attention-to-matisse-thybulle-of-76ers-956-20220521-SPD-956.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong> on a five-year, maximum deal. They are now likely to take a different path with regard to Harden and the Eagles.</p>



<p>Currently, the consensus is that Harden will pick up the player option in the 2022-23 season. Later, the Sixers will extend Harden’s deal by two or three years beyond the expiration of his current option year. A deal has been reached between the two sides. </p>



<p>According to reports, Philadelphia is hesitant to sign Harden to a long-term max contract. With the 76ers, Harden hopes to stay with the team rather than become a free agent in the future. Signing even a short-term extension is the center ground between the two options.</p>



<h2>76ers and Harden to continue together</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“Two weeks from the beginning of NBA free agency on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, all signs point toward All-Star guard James Harden returning to the Philadelphia 76ers on a shorter-term contract extension, league sources told B/R.”</em></p><p><em>“Harden and Sixers leadership are aligned on one clear directive, sources said: The franchise’s best opportunity to compete for a championship starring Joel Embiid, as well as Harden’s optimal opportunity to earn his first NBA ring, resides with Harden playing in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.”</em></p><p><em>“Sixers ownership, though, has been resistant to the idea of giving Harden a full four-year maximum contract extension beyond his 2022-23 option season, sources told B/R, or the five-year deal that Harden would be eligible for if he chose to decline his $47.4 million player option for next season. Signing perhaps a two-year extension after his option season to create a new three-year framework would also provide Harden with greater optionality for his own career.”</em></p><cite>Jack Fischer of <em>Bleacher Report</em></cite></blockquote>


James Harden