James Harden to Philadelphia: Why now?
The most significant development since HoopsHype’s trade deadline guide came out is the noise surrounding James Harden. Cause for concern over his future in Brooklyn started when he declined a three-year, $161 million extension last offseason. On the surface, it seemed like a financial decision but just about every major NBA reporter has brought credence to the possibility of Harden leaving Brooklyn for Philadelphia this offseason.
On Friday, Shams Charania reported that the Nets are believed to be open to discussing a trade that would send Harden to the Sixers for Ben Simmons. While this doesn’t automatically mean that they will trade Harden now, it does appear that the Nets are getting around the idea of a change.