76ers GM insists James Harden trade must keep the team in title contention
The Philadelphia 76ers have been pushed into a corner with star guard James Harden wanting a change of scenery.
Since Harden chose to opt into the final year of his deal, it has been quite clear that he desires to play for another franchise. However, the 76ers haven’t exactly budged toward making a trade.
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General manager Daryl Morey shed some light on the situation, voicing that the organization wants to only make a move if it keeps them in championship contention.
“If we don’t get either a very good player or something we can turn into a very good player, then we’re just not going to do it,” Morey told The Fanatic, according to the Philly Voice. “If James were to turn his mind around, we would all be thrilled. You’ve heard [Joel Embiid’s] comments about that. But at this moment, he prefers to be traded, and we are attempting to honor that.”
Any move will likely be a step down given the talent level that Harden possesses. He may not be the same player he once was, but he is a highly effective scorer and passer.
The 76ers could land proven talent, but it more than likely will include key role players along with draft picks.
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Morey is certainly well aware of how that could impact how Joel Embiid views the franchise’s future. Embiid wants to compete for an NBA title, and if he feels the organization isn’t taking steps toward that, it could lead him to consider playing elsewhere.
Whatever Philadelphia decides to do with Harden will have a lasting impact on the next several years.
