James Harden had an incredible postseason debut, proving to the world that the Philadelphia 76ers could still compete even without their MVP. The Sixers lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics because the momentum wasn’t maintained throughout. All eyes were on Harden, who had a terrible performance that significantly contributed to the Sixers’ defeat in that particular game.
James Harden has the Phoenix Suns on his radar, per @BGeltzNBA pic.twitter.com/2xyrr1P9Nb
NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 15, 2023
He shot 3-11 from the field and finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. During the postseason, the 10-time All-Star averaged 20.3 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. But holding a gaming night at that time was inappropriate. In light of recent trade rumors, he and Kevin Durant may now have a third meeting. The Denver Nuggets eliminated the Phoenix Suns from the playoffs in six games.
With free agency pending for James Harden, I m hearing there is another team prominently on is radar in addition to Houston. That team is the Phoenix Suns.
Brian Geltzeiler (@BGeltzNBA) May 15, 2023
James Harden is set to become a free agent, and I’ve heard that in addition to Houston, another franchise is very much on his radar. Phoenix Suns are that team, according to Sirius XM’s Brian Geltzeiler. Monty Williams, the Suns’ head coach, was just fired, and they are looking for replacements. It’s probable that they’ll come up with trade proposals including Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.
James Harden and Kevin Durant played 43 games together in Brooklyn
In order to join Kevin Durant on the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden forced a trade out of the Houston Rockets squad in 2021. While Durant was still out at the halfway point of the season, he joined. They enjoyed a respectable season in 2022 until Harden thought the Sixers were more committed to capturing the championship. He again left in the middle, leaving Durant and Kyrie Irving, who was involved in Harden’s exit, behind.
It goes without saying that the Nets looked fantastic with The Beard and the Reaper leading the way as they played 43 games together. Durant scored, and Harden opted to play the position of a facilitator. With the Nets, he had a point total of 23.4, 10.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game. Alongside Durant and Devin Booker, Harden would be a fantastic backup scorer.
If the Suns lacked anything, it was reliable defense, back-up scoring, and playmaking. Phoenix’s offense was mainly reliant on Booker and Durant. Given that he is not a selfish player either, Harden’s presence could reduce the strain on both scorers. The Beard has a player option with the Sixers that he may activate, but he might decide not to after the postseason.
