NBA: 9 Tantalizing storylines that will dominate and shape the 2023-24 season

How will the James Harden saga end and how does it impact Joel Embiid?

Somehow, the James Harden trade saga hasn’t come to an end. It remains very much unresolved and unless something changes quickly, Harden is going to begin the season on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. If a trade doesn’t come through, I find it hard to believe that Harden is going to play for the Sixers. I may be wrong but it’s one of those things that I’ll have to see to believe. At some point, Harden will be traded. It’s a matter of when, and to where at this point.

When it happens, that won’t be the end of the Sixers’ issues. In fact, there’s a chance it brings about some even bigger questions for the team regarding their future. The biggest of those questions are going to revolve around how this eventual Harden trade is going to impact Joel Embiid.

That’s what everyone around the league will be watching for. Will this eventual move push Embiid closer to a commitment with the Sixers or will it possibly push him away? Is there a scenario where this season ends with Embiid demanding a trade? I’m sure that’s what many teams around the league are hoping for.