Even though it was clear that investing ridiculous quantities of money on <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-austin-reaves-in-case-of-lakers-exit-20230609-SPD-3683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bradley Beal</a> would never lead to an NBA title, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-chris-paul-in-case-of-suns-exit-20230607-SPD-3679.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a> persisted in doing so for years.



Evidently, Beal accepted the money each time, demonstrating his continued dedication to the company. This is the most foreseen outcome in recent NBA history, with both teams now being forced to work together.



Now that they’re ready to trade him, we’ll examine the three teams with the highest chance of landing the three-time All-Star, Miami Heat included.



<h2>3. Miami Heat</h2>



The Miami Heat will compete for any and all top free-agent players, and Bradley Beal is no exception. Furthermore, he had previous connections to them.



He would be a significant improvement over Max Strus and would provide the Heat with the kind of three-level scorer they so desperately need.



<h2>2. New York Knicks</h2>



Some believe that the New York Knicks are keeping an eye on Beal. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given their longstanding interest in any and all All-Stars who are speculated to be leaving their current teams.



It’s best for the Knicks if they continue to miss out on such guys. Despite Beal’s talent, the team would have to give up too much to get an elderly star earning almost $60 million a year at age 33.



<h2>1. Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



The Philadelphia 76ers are the penultimate team on the list, and some experts think they should be the frontrunner because of their close friendship with Joel Embiid.



There’s reason to suppose that the Sixers will be interested in him again because they allegedly had a deal in place to trade for him instead of James Harden before Harden’s hand injury.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bradley Beal in case of Wizards exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bradley Beal in case of Wizards exit

miniaturas

For good reason, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-chris-paul-in-case-of-suns-exit-20230607-SPD-3679.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> is the topic of most conversation among NBA fans right now. The first signs that he could be thinking about quitting the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-austin-reaves-in-case-of-lakers-exit-20230609-SPD-3683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> have appeared.



Lillard is a top scorer in the NBA and a strong leader who would benefit whatever club he joins. There are likely several franchises that would want to make him an offer.



The Blazers, though, owe it to him to trade him to a more suitable club. Let’s examine the three places where he’s most likely to end up in light of this information.



<h2>3. Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



Due to James Harden’s expected departure from the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, it is clear that the team has to get a new point guard.



He would be able to play with reigning MVP Joel Embiid for a strong coach in Nick Nurse, and the team would have a legitimate shot at winning its first title in almost a decade.



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



Lillard, when questioned about his plans, said that the Brooklyn Nets may be a good fit for him because of his friendship with Mikal Bridges.



The Nets want to make up for the disastrous years they spent with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, and they have no incentive to tank since the Houston Rockets can trade draft selections with them.



<h2>1. Miami Heat</h2>



This squad was Lillard’s first choice when asked where he would want to play if he decided to leave the Blazers this summer.



Lillard’s best buddy Bam Adebayo exemplifies the spirit of Heat Culture. He would be an ideal addition to the team that Pat Riley has reshaped since becoming its leader.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Damian Lillard in case of Trail Blazers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Damian Lillard in case of Trail Blazers exit

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-targets-for-warriors-to-bolster-roster-20230529-SPD-3660.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> came into this NBA season as one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Even with <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-players-that-might-challenge-nikola-jokic-for-2023-nba-mvp-award-20230318-SPD-3509.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joel Embiid</a>‘s MVP season, they couldn’t quite make it.



For the third time in as many years, the Sixers’ Doc Rivers era ended in the second round of the playoffs with a loss. Despite firing their coach, the team may have underlying problems that need the addition of multiple new players throughout the summer.



If James Harden leaves, as has been speculated, it might become much more apparent. Keeping that in mind, let’s examine three alternative objectives they may pursue.



<h2>3. Dorian Finney-Smith</h2>



The Sixers need to accept the reality that they have outgrown Tobias Harris and find a replacement. Now that he’s nearing the last year of his deal, he might be traded for a number of draft selections.



They may then go for Dorian Finney-Smith, one of the finest wing-stoppers in the league, to replace Al Horford as their starting small forward, and deploy him mostly against Jayson Tatum and/or Jaylen Brown.



<h2>2. Kyrie Irving</h2>



Considering Daryl Morey’s history as an aggressive businessman, we can’t completely exclude this possibility, even if it defies logic.



Kyrie Irving, a free agency, may be a good fit to replace James Harden, giving the 76ers another explosive scorer and excellent ball-handler to play with Joel Embiid, despite the obvious dangers involved.



<h2>1. Damian Lillard</h2>



Damian Lillard’s name has been bandied around in trade rumors involving many clubs, notably the Philadelphia 76ers, for quite some time. The veteran James Harden would benefit greatly from his addition.



Lillard has expressed his desire to not be a part of a rebuild by the Portland Trail Blazers, and trading him would make sense for both sides.

NBA: Top 3 possible targets for 76ers to bolster roster - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 possible targets for 76ers to bolster roster

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-james-harden-in-case-of-76ers-exit-20230518-SPD-3642.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers </a>have now fallen in the second round of the NBA playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. Even with the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, they still couldn’t pull off the upset.



As could be expected, it marked the end of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-draymond-green-in-case-of-warriors-exit-20230514-SPD-3637.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doc Rivers</a>‘ time as head coach. Too many of his teams had failed to meet expectations, and it became clear that his ceiling with the company had long since been reached.



So, given that the Sixers are seeking for a new coach again, there should be no shortage of applicants eager to sketch up offensive plays for Joel Embiid and James Harden. Here, we’ll examine three that make the most sense.



<h2>3. Mike Budenholzer</h2>



Mike Budenholzer quickly rose to prominence as a potential head coaching prospect. He has won a title as a coach and has a solid reputation around the league; his record during the regular season also speaks volumes.



Unfortunately, Coach Bud has been beaten in the postseason far too often. While he excels at creating a defensive identity and a selfless offense, he doesn’t do a great job of adjusting on the fly during games.



<h2>2. Sam Cassell</h2>



Sam Cassell has ached to take charge for a very long time. For the previous 14 years, he’s worked as an assistant coach, and for the past three, he’s held the position of director of player development.



Cassell could provide stability while also stirring things up, and that’s often all it takes to bring a club over the hump. While he may lack prior experience in a leading role, he certainly isn’t a greenhorn.



<h2>1. Mike D’Antoni</h2>



As James Harden’s coach, Mike D’Antoni saw his potential and brought out the best in him. If they want Harden to be around for at least another season, it’s clear they need to re-sign the man who helped mold him into an outstanding playmaker.



D’Antoni has a brilliant mind for offense and is a top offensive coach. He’s a genuine and tried coach, something we can’t claim about many of the candidates left at this late date. This is a risk that may pay off instantly.

NBA: Top 3 most likely candidates for 76ers coach coach position

NBA: Top 3 most likely candidates for 76ers coach coach position - thesportsdrops NEWS

Once again, the <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> came up short. The squad, led by <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>, 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.



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.



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.



<h2>3. Orlando Magic</h2>



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



<h2>1. Houston Rockets</h2>



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.



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.

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

When the 76ers traded for James Harden 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 failed to perform when it mattered the most last season.



Philadelphia was out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and much of the blame fell on Harden. Still, the team 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.



Despite having the support from Daryl Morey and the Sixers‘ <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, but for him, the ultimate goal is to win a championship.



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



“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 — it’s all the same,” James Harden told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “Ultimately, it’s winning a championship. The numbers don’t really mean anything, individually.”

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

Unconfirmed reports indicate that <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> will take a significant pay reduction in order to help the <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> 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. 



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



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



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



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“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.”“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.”<cite>James Harden told Yahoo Sports</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

Though the expectations were through the roof in Philadelphia when the Sixers acquired <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> in February, things didn’t go according to plan. For the second year in a row, the 76ers lost in the Conference Semifinals.



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



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 feels he can win there. This could be one of his last opportunities to secure the elusive ring, but 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.



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



“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,” Harden told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. 



“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. I believe we can do it together.”

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

According to a report that was published by Shams Charania of The Athletic, <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> intends on signing a new deal with the <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>. This new development would provide the organization with greater freedom to enhance the squad for the next season.



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. 



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.



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



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 The Daily Six says that the 76ers should have around $2 million in wiggle space below that hard limit as a result of Harden’s new contract.



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.

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

Next season, it looks like <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">PJ Tucker</a> will resume his jaunt through the Eastern Conference’s top teams. The veteran power forward is anticipated to join the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-in-talks-for-matisse-thybulle-with-76ers-1726-20220624-SPD-1726.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> after his two-year stints with Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.



Even while it isn’t a surprise to see Tucker join another competitor, it is startling to learn that he will be paid $30 million over three years, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. In spite of his ability to defend and shoot well from 3-point range, he will reach 40 years old in the last year of the contract.



A guy in his late 30s who plays as physically as Tucker does may be beneficial to the Sixers if he can remain healthy. However, that isn’t a given.



<h2>Sixers-Tucker: There’s a catch</h2>



However, if James Harden exercises his $47.36 million player option, the club will not have enough financial room to complete the deal to bring Tucker in. As a consequence, they’d have to make room for his wages, which would need some clearing out.



It remains to be seen after June 30, no franschise may begin contract negotiations with a free agent until after the start of the free-agency period. Any conversation prior to the event constitutes tampering.

Philadelphia 76ers