The Philadelphia 76ers are exploring trade options with James Harden 's representatives after the forward picked up his £28.23million ($35.6m) option.
Harden's future was up in the air after the 76ers failed to win the NBA championship last season, with reports that he could seek a trade back to the Houston Rockets. The 76ers fired Doc Rivers after they were eliminated from the playoffs, and recently hired former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse.
There was optimism that Harden could choose to stay in Philadelphia, as he would be a key part of Nurse's ambitions in ending the title drought for the 76ers. But according to ESPN, it's expected that Harden has played his final game, and will explore options elsewhere.
According to The Athletic, the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as early destinations for Harden. The 33-year-old is still without an NBA ring and is keen to win the championship before the end of his career.
Harden was named MVP back in 2018, is a 10-time NBA All-Star, and is the latest marquee name to flutter the trade market. Bradley Beal and Chris Paul have already been traded to new teams, and Kyrie Irving is also in talks with the Phoenix Suns as they look to assemble a star roster.
The decision may not come as a surprise to some of Harden's 76ers team-mates, as there was belief inside the locker room that he wanted to return to Houston. The Rockets enjoyed a successful NBA Draft, acquiring both Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.
The Rockets are certainly a team going through a rebuilding phase and perhaps aren't the best destination for Harden if he wants to win a championship ring anytime soon. But Harden clearly loves it there and holds the franchise very close to his heart.
Harden also has a stake in MLS side Houston Dynamo and sees the area as a second home - after growing up in California. Harden already sparked rumours when hiring a new agent earlier this year, and Michael Ruben's departure may have been a key moment in his decision process.
Former 76ers owner Rubin was a large part of Harden joining the franchise and remains a close friend. He sold his shares in the team back in June, and still attends games - but primarily as a fan. Whether it's with the Rockets or not, it seems clear that Harden is keen to move on from the 76ers, and try his hand elsewhere.
