NBA Rumors: Latest on James Harden Trade, Stephen Curry Contract and More

It's been an exciting offseason thus far in the NBA. The draft brought a fair amount of intrigue, players like Russell Westbrook, John Wall and Gordon Hayward found new homes, while Anthony Davis and LeBron James committed to the Los Angeles Lakers for the long-term.

The real excitement is about to get underway, though, with the preseason set to kick off Friday. Will the Lakers repeat in 2020-21? Can the Golden State Warriors get back on track? How will Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving fare with the Brooklyn Nets? Hopefully, we'll start to get some answers during exhibition play.

For now, all we can do is sit and wait—and take in some of the latest tidbits from the rumor mill, of course. Let's take a look at some of the latest buzz on the doorstep of the 2020-21 NBA preseason.

James Harden Open to Being Traded to Philadelphia, Other Contenders

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

The Houston Rockets finally pulled the trigger on a Russell Westbrook trade, sending him to the Washington Wizards in exchange for John Wall. Now the collective basketball world is wondering if James Harden will be next.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported early in the offseason that Harden was vocal about being traded and eying the Nets as a destination. More recently, ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski reported Harden has indicated he's interested in joining the Philadelphia 76ers, along with other potential contenders.

"Harden also indicated that other teams could fit his criteria for a preferred destination, a source said," MacMahon and Wojnarowski wrote.

The problem for Harden is that a team would have to be willing to give up a considerable return to acquire him. For Philadelphia, that could mean dealing a star like Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid plus draft compensation.

"The Rockets have made it clear that they'd require a king's ransom—starting with a young franchise cornerstone and a massive picks package, per sources," MacMahon wrote.

It feels unlikely that Philadelphia would tear down its core to bring in a player who may or may not fit, like Harden. Might another team make the move between now and the trade deadline? We'll have to wait and see.

Stephen Curry Likely to Sign Extension with Golden State ...Eventually

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is signed through the 2021-22 season. He's not going anywhere in the immediate future. However, he has openly talked about wanting to remain with Golden State past his current deal—ideally, to chase another title alongside a healthy Klay Thompson.

"Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can ... that's a huge goal," Curry said, per The Athletics's Marcus Thompson II.

The report added that if Curry wants an extension, he's going to get it: "Sources within the organization said they don't see a scenario in which the Warriors decline Curry's request for an extension, whenever it comes, even though he could demand an astronomical number at the back end of his career."

Klay Thompson is set to miss the entire 2020-21 season with a torn Achilles, but the Warriors will have an opportunity to build around Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and rookie James Wiseman. If that group can put together a good amount of chemistry, then the return of Thompson (hopefully) next season could help return Golden State to championship contention. If that happens, there's little reason for the Warriors to not want Curry over the long haul.

In today's NBA, it's become increasingly rare to see a player spend his entire career with one franchise. However, that's exactly what we may see with Curry and Golden State.

Mavericks Set to Release J.J. Barea

Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

While J.J. Barea hasn't spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, he's been a mainstay of the franchise in two different stints and for more than a decade. However, his time in Dallas is set to come to an end.

According to MacMahon, owner Mark Cuban wanted to give Barea a parting gift on his way out the door.

"Sources: Mavs plan to release J.J. Barea on Thursday. Mark Cuban knew this move was likely when Barea signed a 1-year, $2.6M deal last week but wanted to reward him for his impact over 11 years with Mavs. Barea, 36, still hopes to play in NBA this season," MacMahon tweeted.

Barea went undrafted in 2006 but ultimately signed a deal with Dallas. He played there from 2006-2011 before joining the Minnesota Timberwolves and rejoining the Mavericks in 2014.

Last season, Barea appeared in 29 games for the Mavericks, averaging 7.7 points and 3.9 assists while averaging just over 15 minutes per game.

Barea could be an intriguing preseason addition for a team looking to add a veteran off the bench.