James Harden remaining in the Philadelphia 76ers is increasingly likely at the side of the All-Star rather than igniting a reunion with the Houston Rockets according to league insider Marc Stein.
Per Stein, Harden is “intrigued” by new head coach Nick Nurse’s vision of the 76ers dating back to his previous press conference.
“The idea that James Harden will re-sign with Philadelphia in free agency rather than return to Houston for a second stint with the Rockets has gained momentum over the past week or two,” Stein wrote. “Among the whispered reasons for the change in forecast: Word is Harden came away from his introductory meeting with new Sixers coach Nick Nurse intrigued by Nurse’s vision.”
Following yet another disappointing postseason exit, Philadelphia decided to cut their ties with Doc Rivers after three years of partnership and went on to ink a deal with Nurse.
Nurse, known for his solid in-game adjustments, served as the Toronto Raptors head coach for the last five years and he notably led the club to its maiden title back in 2018-19.
Harden is expected to turn down his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 campaign and sign a much more lucrative deal for his part. He averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 58 games for Philadelphia in the previous regular season.
