Philadelphia 76ers: 3 Sign-and-trade ideas to send James Harden to Rockets

Three sign-and-trade ideas to help get James Harden to the Houston Rockets. 

The Philadelphia 76ers don’t have an easily navigable offseason ahead of them. And at the center of their potential issues lies a James Harden who may have his sights on leaving the franchise in free agency. Not only will that make hiring a new head coach difficult but it could also complicate other potential moves that the team may want to explore in an attempt to upgrade the roster.

Heading into the offseason, the worst-kept secret in the NBA world is that Harden is eyeing a move back to the Houston Rockets this summer. In fact, there are many reports that suggest it’s somewhat of a foregone conclusion. And it could simply come down to this: Harden wants a big-money (possibly max) deal while also making a return to Houston. The Rockets are willing to make that happen and the Sixers aren’t exactly chomping at the bit to pay Harden the max.

There probably won’t be much clarification regarding this issue until we get to free agency. Harden is expected to opt out of the final year of his deal with the Sixers either way and then secure a new deal. And it’s looking more and more like it will end up being with Houston.

Would a sign-and-trade deal be the best way for the Philadelphia 76ers to move forward?

If Harden truly wants the Rockets this offseason, we explore three sign-and-trade possibilities that would get him to Houston while giving something in return for Philadelphia.