5 Potential Landing Spots for James Harden in Free Agency
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Los Angeles Lakers
The downfall of D’Angelo Russell with the Los Angeles Lakers was well-apparent and widely scrutinized, so they’ll be searching for a win-now point guard in the short term. James Harden would have to take a discount to join the Lakers. Still, we know he could be willing, as with the Philadelphia 76ers, so now, he could view this as one last-ditch effort at a championship alongside LeBron James. Crazier things have happened!
LA Clippers
James Harden appeared to be comfortable with the LA Clippers this past season compared to his time in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, something that can’t be discounted knowing how Harden operates. He’s looking for his last payday on the open market, which could complicate things, but running it back with this Clippers squad isn’t an unforeseen outcome. If Paul George walks this summer, the Clippers will have the money to retain Harden’s services, hopefully at a discount, while keeping the door open to adding another star. If Harden is tired of moving around, staying put looks pretty viable.
Orlando Magic
Everybody knows James Harden loves the nightlife, and while Orlando is nothing like South Beach, who is to say he isn’t drawn to living in Florida year-round? On the court, as Harden ages, joining a young Orlando Magic squad could be desirable as they have a clear and pressing need for a point guard to run the show and teach these young guys the ropes. Say what you want about Harden’s attitude or playoff performances, but he’s a gifted facilitator who plays easily alongside everyone. Tyrese Maxey openly credits much of his development to Harden’s mentorship, so getting a guy like him around this young Magic team could allow them to take the next step in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama needs a point guard. While it’s conceivable that the San Antonio Spurs elect to draft a guard with one of their two top-eight selections, if they fail to land one in the draft, they could offer James Harden a short-term high–salary contract. In the offseason, Harden lives in nearby Houston, so a move to the Spurs is something that Harden could be open to. On the court, everyone wants to play with Wemby while allowing Harden to compete at a high level without the pressure of immediate expectations.
Miami Heat
If the Miami Heat can land a star this summer, someone like Donovan Mitchell in a trade, James Harden should want the opportunity to join them. They need another primary ball-handler, which Harden can still provide at a high level, even at his age. It’s possible that Pat Riley wouldn’t want him, given that he doesn’t fit “Heat Culture,” but they want to win, and if he’s a point guard away from a championship, he will make a move. Harden's desire to live in Miami doesn’t need to be examined, but it would just take a few dominos to fall first on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers
The downfall of D’Angelo Russell with the Los Angeles Lakers was well-apparent and widely scrutinized, so they’ll be searching for a win-now point guard in the short term. James Harden would have to take a discount to join the Lakers. Still, we know he could be willing, as with the Philadelphia 76ers, so now, he could view this as one last-ditch effort at a championship alongside LeBron James. Crazier things have happened!
LA Clippers
James Harden appeared to be comfortable with the LA Clippers this past season compared to his time in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, something that can’t be discounted knowing how Harden operates. He’s looking for his last payday on the open market, which could complicate things, but running it back with this Clippers squad isn’t an unforeseen outcome. If Paul George walks this summer, the Clippers will have the money to retain Harden’s services, hopefully at a discount, while keeping the door open to adding another star. If Harden is tired of moving around, staying put looks pretty viable.
