A top club in the Western Conference is being linked to Philadelphia 76ers’ superstar guard James Harden.
The future Hall of Famer is seeking a trade from the 76ers. He even opted into his $35.6 million player option for 2023-24, hoping it would help facilitate a trade. But as August nears, Harden remains a member of the 76ers’ roster.
As noted by Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic, the 2018 league MVP is among the players that Phoenix has been linked to this offseason:
“After signing Bol Bol in NBA free agency earlier this month, it appeared that the Phoenix Suns might be done making changes to their roster in the offseason…
But NBA trade speculation and rumors surrounding the team continue to circulate on social media and in stories. And some very interesting names are included in the speculation.
James Harden, Killian Hayes and T.J. McConnell are among the names swirling as potential acquisitions for the Suns, while Deandre Ayton’s name continues to show up as a potential trade chip for Phoenix.”
On top of that, Luke Duffy of FanSided’s Valley of the Suns’ site proposed a mammoth blockbuster deal that has the Suns landing Harden in a three-team trade. Duffy’s proposal has Damian Lillard going to the Philadelphia 76ers, with Deandre Ayton and De’Anthony Melton going to the Portland Trail Blazers.
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The Suns already completed one massive blockbuster trade earlier this offseason, having acquired Washington Wizards’ All-Star guard Bradley Beal to team up with the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Phoenix has limited trade resources to offer Philadelphia in a trade for Harden, and that’s why it would likely take a third team to help them complete a deal for the future Hall of Famer.
But the Suns are already in good position to compete for a championship with Durant, Booker and Beal leading the way. So Harden would be a luxury, not a necessity, for a team looking to win its first ever NBA title.
