The NBA’s Free Agency is hitting on all cylinders. The Bradley Beal-Chris Paul swap set the table for something electric. The trade request by Damian Lillard poured gasoline on the fire. Now it seems that things are getting hotter each day. Superstars like Lillard take their franchises to task for not standing up to the mark. Their role as the tone-setter makes for intriguing scenarios, as a team’s title chances could change drastically by landing the 32-year-old.

One such tone-setter, James Harden, has put the 76ers in a frenzy ever since he requested a trade.

The Beard spurs uncertainty around 76ers’ future

Rumors are flocking around James Harden again. The latest developments have only added to the intrigue. A few weeks ago, Harden opted into his contract’s second year which pays him $35.6 million. But he immediately followed that by requesting a trade away from Philly. 

When Harden arrived as a 76ers player, he and the team shared championship ambitions. That’s why he took a discounted contract last season, which helped the team sign defensive stopper PJ Tucker. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that Harden was “unhappy” with the franchise’s avoidance of the supermax and is therefore seeking a trade.

Then reports emerged that the 76ers are trying to keep Harden for the next season at least. And the latest event could pave the way for the team to retain him. The Philadelphia 76ers’ owner Josh Harris personally met the discontent guard when he was busy celebrating at a Fourth of July party hosted by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. 

This can be a huge moment and the owner is likely asking the incredible talent to stay. His pairing with Joel Embiid allowed the team to run terrific pick-and-roll plays, and the management has loved the fit. 

READ MORE: Following James Harden’s Rumored Exit, Joel Embiid’s 76ers Move On From Former MVP by Eyeing Another 7x NBA All-Star

After firing head coach Doc Rivers, the team gave the role to Nick Nurse, a championship-proven coach. Harden’s trade request turned this plan upside-down but the team still looks intent on bringing him back.

Will James Harden be elsewhere soon?

To have a business mogul worth $8.42 billion come out on the 4th of July to track down Harden implies that the Sixers mean business. It showcases the trust they have in the future Hall-of-Famer. However, The Beard might not reciprocate the feeling.

Harden is said to be looking hard at the much-more alluring market of LA. The Clippers have shown interest in him and a trade with them can be possible if the team includes someone like Paul George. There was also a deja-vu moment in this fiasco when there were murmurs of the 33-year-old returning to the rebuilding Houston Rockets.

However, for now, the NBA world – and the city of Philadelphia – waits for his decision with held breath. He is yet to win a title and the frustration must have multiplied after the 76ers exited in the second round of the Playoffs, losing to the Boston Celtics.

His current squad, the Philadelphia 76ers could offer him a $210 million, four-year deal(Around$52 million a year). They have the home-contract edge and no other franchise can match their offer. Have talks of such a Supermax contract fallen off?

Will Harden stay or move on from Joel Embiid? Do share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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