NBA Rumors: Ranking 10 marquee free agents most likely to sign with new teams

7. James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers (unrestricted)

From all indications, it seems that the Philadelphia 76ers are waiting on James Harden and his free-agency decision before they elect to make any moves themselves. And I’d have to imagine that’s going to continue to be the case once free agency opens. No matter what you think of Harden at this point in his career, the Sixers are at a point where they almost need him to re-sign this offseason.

Otherwise, this is a team that’s going to end up taking a huge step back – unless, of course, Tyrese Maxey can make a huge jump in his development. Quite frankly, that would be an unfair expectation. But Harden at least gives the Sixers a shot to come out of the Eastern Conference, as they nearly made the conference finals this past season.

There has been talk of Harden potentially leaving the Sixers for Houston but, in the end, I think that is more smoke than fire. At this point, I’d still make the Sixers a slight favorite to re-sign Harden over the Rockets or any other team for that matter.

I wouldn’t be surprised either way, but the Rockets are the leaders right now. Could that change? Absolutely.

Confidence meter: 45 percent