Are Joel Embiid’s 76ers Already Looking at a $215,000,000 Replacement for James Harden?

Teams have already signed the free agents as the 2023 NBA free agency rolled on one week ago. Now what remains to be seen is the future of the players who are already on contracts with their teams. A couple of such players are Damian Lillard and James Harden. Lillard is looking for a trade for the first time in 11 years. But what’s surprising is, the latter has done it before as well.

On the other hand, Harden’s future remains uncertain. He’s actively seeking a preferred trade destination. Following the latest update on the chances of a reunion with his former team, his options are getting thinner day by day. To have him gone, the 76ers’ front office has a tough job of finding a trade solution for him and his replacement.

Philadelphia 76ers are eyeing a James Harden replacement

Despite many things, the relationship between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers has been consistent. Together, they’ve stayed in the top 3 throughout the season, eventually helping Joel Embiid bag his first NBA MVP in nine years. Ever since the Franchise landed Embiid as the 3rd overall pick in the 2014 draft, they found a perfect Big Man in the Cameroonian.

However, they are trying out different variations in their line-ups too. They’re experimenting with Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler to James Harden. But none seems to be working out for them. And the latest report suggests that they may have found a replacement who had already signed a 5-year/$215,159,700 contract with the Chicago Bulls last year.

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The uncertainty surrounding the fates of Harden and Lillard is now causing bumps along the way. If either of them changes teams, it may set off a chain reaction of additional movements throughout the league.

And, within the 76ers camp, Zach LaVine is the replacement that they’d need. But there’s currently no active communication between the two teams about a potential multi-team deal involving LaVine and/or Harden. Moving such a deal forward would require tremendous effort.

It is crucial to understand, however, that the situation is open to change, and that future developments may alter the current scenario.

Where do the Chicago Bulls stand with LaVine?

Last month, following the NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls executive vice president discussed Zach LaVine’s role on the team. He admitted that everyone, including LaVine, was disappointed with how the season ended. He stressed, LaVine is determined to improve himself and has already started working out with a player development coach in Los Angeles. Despite an unclear response, LaVine is the subject of continuous trade rumors.

Per reports, he is involved in preliminary conversations with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The teams are also searching for new homes for James Harden and Damian Lillard, respectively.

So, will Zach Lavine move to Philly, and is he the ideal replacement for James Harden? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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