NBA rumors: James Harden’s preferred trade destination comes to light

James Harden opted-in with the 76ers but only to look for a trade. Now, his preferred trade destination has been revealed, per reports. 

James Harden has opted into the 2023-24 season on his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers — he just won’t be playing for that team again. Reports of him opting in also mentioned that the Sixers would then look for a trade partner to deal Harden to.

Now, we have information on where Harden wants to end up.

On Friday, Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required) reported that the Los Angeles native would prefer a trade to his hometown, namely to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat and New York Knicks also appear to be interested in a Harden trade.

NBA Rumors: Clippers are preferred James Harden trade destination

The Clippers certainly have an easy way to match the salary for James Harden in any trade by offering Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and a small contract to the Sixers. They would most likely have to offer one or two first-round picks as well with Philadelphia still maintaining some leverage in the situation.

And that’s crucial for the 76ers. Getting the right return is vitally important because, if they are unable to, it puts the future of reigning MVP Joel Embiid in Philadelphia at risk.

To be sure, their leverage has dwindled in this situation and they are likely looking at a return in any trade of expiring contracts, a young player, and some package of draft picks. Even still, Daryl Morey has been able to get the most out of trades historically as a general manager, which is a sign for optimism for the 76ers.

He did help turn Ben Simmons, who had lost a ton of value, into Harden initially. Could he work that magic again to somehow land Paul George in Philadelphia? That might seem like a pipe-dream, but this situation could get wild, especially with the figures involved.