Another season, another second-round exit for the Philadelphia 76ers. Although Joel Embiid's numerous injuries played a significant role, James Harden and the Sixers suffered without him in the lineup and squandered the chance to help the MVP runner-up get to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Miami Heat beat them in six games in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Sixers are in a very tough spot with Harden. They needed to trade Ben Simmons in order to sever ties with him and get Embiid a co-star for the playoffs. Harden, a long-time pal of Daryl Morey, became available and the Sixers pounced while also surrendering two first-round draft picks. Now, they will have to decide whether to keep him long-term.
The good news for Philadelphia is that the likelihood of Harden leaving for nothing is slim. First, he would have to choose not to make $47 million next year by opting out of his player option (and he can still sign an extension after the option). Then, he would have to find a team that could outright sign him to a max contract. Few teams have that kind of space readily available.
A sign-and-trade would work best for both sides if Harden wants to leave the Sixers. For Philadelphia's sake, Morey has to look into this possibility.
3 reasons Sixers must be willing to move on from James Harden
3. Harden ain't getting any younger
Whether it's age or his hamstring still not being fully healthy, Harden looked washed up in the postseason. After already being notorious for playoff failures, he did his best impression of Simmons by opting not to shoot in the second half of the elimination game.
Harden is no longer capable of scoring 30 points without breaking a sweat. Even a 20-point is no longer a guarantee from him in the toughest games. His playmaking is key, especially on a Sixers team with so few reliable passers, but his scoring repertoire is cooked.
Philadelphia may be able to get Harden in better shape and give him the confidence to score at will again. However, it isn't a reliable assumption to make. His biological clock is ticking and ticking.
2. The Sixers could land the assets to make another trade
Moving on from Harden is a viable route for the Sixers to take. It wasn't the end-all, be-all move from Philadelphia to find Embiid a new co-star.
There are NBA teams out there who are desperate for any kind of upgrade. With Harden still being a walking double-double, he should have at least a few suitors. The Sixers could replenish their depleted pool of draft picks or add a key rotation piece from the likes of the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers or Washington Wizards, just to name a few.
The Sixers will have to live with the fact that trading for Harden was not a great decision and must act quickly to fix it. They're not in a dead-end but would rapidly approach one if they don't act soon.
1. There's no time to waste with Joel Embiid
The lengthy injury Embiid has racked up shows his toughness and burning desire to win. But it also brings a gigantic sense of urgency to the Sixers, as no one knows how many great seasons he has left in him.
Not only is Embiid 28 years old, but he also brings injury concerns with him into every season. Every time he falls, Philly fans wince and wonder if he injured some part of his body. He said after the series loss to the Heat that he will need surgery this offseason for his thumb This is to no fault of the big man but it is the reality that he and the organization have to live with.
A healthy Embiid can make Harden better but it can't mask the fact that he is not a superstar-level player anymore. Betting on Harden to just be good enough as long as Embiid is good to go means betting on Embiid's health.
Running it back with Harden could give him and Embiid the time they need to mesh further. But it could also be the decision that kills the Sixers' future title hopes.
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