Sports
NBA Rumors: James Harden trade talks, Joel Embiid, PJ Tucker … – Hoops Hype
July 21, 2023– by Michael Scotto
By Michael Scotto |
With free agency relatively at a standstill, all eyes around the league have shifted predominantly to trade talks surrounding Damian Lillard, James Harden, and potentially Pascal Siakam.
Below is the latest intel gathered by HoopsHype on the Harden trade talks and how they could affect Joel Embiid and PJ Tucker, free agency updates on Rudy Gay, Edmond Sumner, and Nerlens Noel, along with notes on the Lakers, Warriors, Bucks, Mavericks, and more on HoopsHype.
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As the James Harden trade request hovers over the Philadelphia 76ers – including a Yahoo Sports report that he’s expected to report to training camp while still seeking a move to the Los Angeles Clippers and a recent cryptic Instagram story post – it could have dominoes on the futures of two of his frontcourt teammates.
PJ Tucker, Harden’s longtime teammate with the Rockets and Sixers, has come up in trade discussions between the 76ers and Clippers, league sources told HoopsHype. The Clippers covet Tucker’s ability to guard multiple positions and defend the league’s top opposing scorers. Tucker is owed $11 million this upcoming year and has a $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
It’s worth noting Harden previously took less money to give Philadelphia added financial flexibility to pry Tucker away from the Heat in free agency in July of 2022. When Harden did so, many around the league assumed Sixers executive Daryl Morey – who’s previously been Harden’s biggest advocate – would take care of his star player financially down the line, which hasn’t happened. Current negotiations have since led to a “fractured” relationship between Harden and Morey, per Shams Charania.
Meanwhile, teams around the league – especially the New York Knicks – are monitoring how the Harden saga plays out in Philadelphia and will affect the happiness of MVP Joel Embiid. The Knicks have long admired Embiid and have significant draft capital to dangle. Embiid’s former agent was Leon Rose, who now leads New York’s front office.
Should Embiid ever demand a trade, it’s worth noting the Miami Heat has one of his good friends, Jimmy Butler, and a potentially intriguing trade chip in All-Star center Bam Adebayo to dangle, in theory.
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Veteran forward Rudy Gay is expected to draw interest from several playoff-caliber teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told HoopsHype.
Gay was healthy last season minus a finger joint sprain that sidelined him for two weeks and a member of Utah’s rotation through most of last season. Over the last few years of his career, the 17-year veteran has developed into primarily a power forward.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Edmond Sumner has drawn exploratory interest from the Hornets, Bucks, Raptors, Heat, and Suns since becoming a free agent, league sources told HoopsHype.
As previously reported on HoopsHype, Charlotte is searching for a veteran point guard – including monitoring Wizards guard Delon Wright as a potential trade target – after losing Dennis Smith Jr. to the Nets in free agency and failing to land Aaron Holiday before he signed with the Houston Rockets.
Milwaukee lacks a true point guard behind Jrue Holiday, with one remaining roster spot open. With that said, many around the league believe Thanasis Antetokounmpo will ultimately claim that final spot.
After signing Dennis Schroeder to replace Fred VanVleet, Toronto’s only backup point guard is Malachi Flynn.
Miami’s in a holding pattern amid Damian Lillard trade talks, while the Suns recently signed Bol Bol, filling their roster.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Before Nerlens Noel agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls also expressed exploratory interest in Noel, HoopsHype has learned.
While the Lakers ultimately didn’t sign Noel, the team remains open to potentially adding a veteran center, league sources told HoopsHype.
In Sacramento, Noel – entering his 10th NBA season – is expected to provide an interior shot-blocking presence off the bench.
You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on Twitter.
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Bucks, Bulls, Business, Clippers, Free Agency, Heat, Hornets, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, NBA, Nets, Pelicans, Raptors, Rockets, Sixers, Suns, Warriors, Wizards, Blast, Featured, no_yh, Top
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