The Philadelphia 76ers are searching for a new head coach, and Mike D'Antoni is one of the names at the top of their list. One of the reasons the Sixers are high on D'Antoni — according to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia — is the belief hiring the former Houston Rockets head coach could help Philly in a potential pursuit of James Harden:

I’m hearing one of the reasons along with coaching that Sixers have a lot of interest in Mike D’Antoni is feeling with some in organization that he could help lure James Harden to Philly

Going after Harden would be quite the ambitious move for the Sixers as they enter a transitory period.

However, it is not totally unrealistic. Some executives told Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report Harden should be on the table for Houston, another team in transition.

The Sixers might also have an easier time making the money work.

Philadelphia has a number of high-priced players under contract for multiple years, including star center Joel Embiid and previous No. 1 pick Ben Simmons.

It seems likely the Rockets would want one of the Sixers' two stars in exchange for Harden, a former NBA MVP and one of the most revolutionary offensive players in recent memory.

But Houston general manager Daryl Morey has not been afraid to be aggressive in shaking things up, and could be persuaded to deal with the Sixers, especially if they also toss in draft considerations.

Then again, there has yet to be any indication Harden wants to leave Houston. Regardless, the Sixers feel bringing D'Antoni into the fray could possibly help them land “The Beard.”