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NBA Rumors: Knicks stunningly linked to James Harden in trade discussions

By Jordanna Clark

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks fans were patiently waiting for 5 p.m. ET to roll around to learn whether or not Josh Hart would be opting in or declining his $12.9 million player option for 2023-24. What they didn’t expect was for the Knicks to be listed as a possible landing spot for James Harden.

Harden also had a deadline of 5 p.m. to decide on his $35.6 million option for next season. Although he’s been linked to the Rockets for months now, the latest reports have signaled a return to Philadelphia. However, it’s now crystal clear that Harden wants to leave the Sixers.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden is picking up his option and is working with Philadelphia to find a trade scenario. Woj followed that up by reporting that the Knicks and Clippers are “expected to be among the teams that’ll engage with the Sixers on a potential James Harden trade.”

James Harden connected to Knicks in trade after picking up $35.6 million player option

Who knows if the Knicks are actually interested in landing James Harden via trade, but what the front office should be paying more attention to is Joel Embiid’s future. It was reported weeks ago that New York was “hopeful” that the situation in Philadelphia would go south enough to lead the 2022-23 NBA MVP to request a trade.

The Knicks need to prioritize building off the success that they had this past season, not hindering it by adding Harden to the roster. Imagine a starting lineup made up of Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and Harden. That’s a nightmare waiting to happen.

A better alternative for the organization would be exploring a three-team trade with the Clippers and Sixers that would result in Paul George ending up in New York. The Knicks and Clippers reportedly engaged in trade conversations centered around George recently, and Harden wanting out of Philadelphia could help New York get PG13.

Free agency has yet to officially start, but the absurdity has already begun. Get ready, Knicks fans.

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