James Harden Trade Rumors: 76ers Expected to Be Interested in Rockets Star

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly looking to trade for James Harden to reunite him with newly hired President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, per Shams Charania of Stadium:

Philadelphia could be one of several teams calling about the Houston Rockets guard, although his current team isn't expected to agree to any deal. 

"It is an emphatic no from the Rockets side," Charania said. "It's really a nonstarter for that organization."

Harden is owed $85.7 million over the next two seasons and then has a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season.

Houston has made the playoffs for eight straight years but failed to reach the NBA Finals in this stretch and was eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Western Conference Semifinals this past season. The franchise could determine the best path is to rebuild, which would likely include dealing a high-priced asset like Harden.

It's also understandable Morey, who spent the last 13 years as general manager of the Rockets, would have interest in Harden after first acquiring him in a 2012 trade and seeing him blossom into one of the top players in the NBA.

Harden has earned an All-Star selection every year since coming to Houston, adding an MVP award and three scoring titles.

Morey especially praised Harden in a thank you letter after stepping down from his position with the Rockets last month.

"James Harden changed my life," Morey wrote. "An entire page could be dedicated just to James. He not only transformed my life but he also revolutionized the game of basketball—and continues to do so—like almost no one has before."

Pairing Harden with All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons could do wonders for the 76ers. The added balance on the perimter would turn the team into an instant title contender.

However, Houston appears to be in no hurry to trade its superstar.