NBA Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of Philadelphia 76ers not trading James Harden

Pro No. 2: James Harden on the roster delays a deeper conversation about Joel Embiid

Another underrated pro of keeping James Harden on the roster, even if it is just for one more season, is that it delays the possible inevitable involving Joel Embiid. No matter what you think about Harden at this point in his career, one thing is clear. When he’s healthy, the Sixers have a shot to beat any team in the Eastern Conference in a seven-game series. When he isn’t, or if he is traded, the Sixers are not a contender. Even if the Sixers manage to pry Terance Mann away from the LA Clippers, this won’t be a championship contender roster without Harden.

And if the Sixers are not a contender this season, that’s likely going to prompt a very uncomfortable conversation with Embiid. Coming off an MVP season, the Sixers are going to trade Harden without making another splash move? That would be an unacceptable outcome for the Sixers this offseason.

But the Sixers may not have much of a chance at an alternative; that may be the biggest reason why they’re going to try to keep Harden on the roster this season. The Sixers may not love Harden’s fit but they kind of need him heading into this upcoming season.