Will James Harden’s Next Team be the Orlando Magic?

James Harden has been in the news cycle often this summer, repeatedly voicing his displeasure about his current team, the Philadelphia Sixers. He claimed that General Manager Darryl Morey lied to him about the contract he would be offered and then didn’t follow through with the trade request that the 2018 MVP put in. 

A few weeks ago, James showed up in Philly, suggesting everything was copacetic. Then, he didn’t attend Sixers media day last week. But apparently, Harden was in attendance for the first few days of camp, and according to Patrick Beverly, James was in really good shape, and he’s been cooking in camp. 

“His attitude has been great, he’s been leading, he’s been giving advice. You might hear all the bad sh*t on TV from reporters that’s not there. But actually being a teammate that’s there, he’s been phenomenal,” Beverly said on the latest episode of his podcast. Check out the video below. 

James Harden came to camp ready to work 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bljseAAd6L

— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) October 11, 2023

Now, the Los Angeles Clippers are waiting patiently, and it seems Philadelphia continues to prolong the deal. It was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Clippers have offered the best contract. 

“The Clippers would like to get a deal done sooner than later. They also don’t want to raise their offer. Given their the only team that is bidding(on James Harden). They’ve offered (the Sixers) more than anybody else has: a first-round pick, pick swap, expiring contracts.” 

Woj: “The Clippers would like to get a deal done sooner than later. They also don’t want to raise their offer given they’re the only team that is bidding on [James Harden]. They’ve offered [the Sixers] more than anybody else has: a 1st round pick, pick swap, expiring contracts.” pic.twitter.com/sIcl5VzJDI

— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 8, 2023

While it makes sense for James Harden to go home to Los Angeles, there is one team that could surprise many that also has interest in the shooting guard—the Orlando Magic. The Sixers could see the value in going with another team because of the value pieces they could receive in return. 

It’s expected that the Orlando Magic would offer Gary Harris, Johnathan Issac, Chuma Okeke, and a 2025 first-round pick in exchange for the high-volume scorer. A deal that, on paper, has real value. Johnathan Issac’s injury woes are behind him, and he is on the court and healthy. He finished last night’s preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans with seven points, one steal, two blocks, and a rebound in just 8 minutes.

Gary Harris is a known shooter and another player who can fit into the rotation and make an impact this season for Philadelphia. With the idea of receiving their pick and another 6’8 wing in Chuma Okeke, I can see Philadelphia pulling the trigger with no one else calling but the team that Harden wants to go to. 

Over the next few weeks, it’ll be interesting to see how the Sixers navigate this Harden fiasco; however, don’t be surprised if #1 lands in Orlando with Paolo and the guys.