The Harden drama starts all over again

   Athletes are often pretty fickle. If they don't have the money they want, the wins they want, or the attention they want, they're out. Anthony Davis gave up on New Orleans, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant can't seem to pick a team they like, and Ben Simmons had enough with the 76ers. James Harden is another one of those players who forces himself out of an organization when times get tough.

    The only reason Harden really came to Philly in the first place because of the already stacked team. He had two good opportunities to reach the finals and get the thing athletes most want: a championship. It went the same way with Brooklyn, when Harden tried to form a super team with Durant and Irving. When Harden came to Philly, he did form a very good team, but he wasn't the same star he was in Houston. Harden was more of a sidekick to Embiid. Harden didn't receive a lot of hype. Whether or not Harden  does want a more leader position is really up for debate, but regardless, he wants out of Philly. 

    

Harden is done with the Sixers

Photo Credit: SixersWire

    The Clippers and the Knicks are teams interested in Harden.

    Honestly, if Harden wants to go to any other team it won't give him what he wants. He's old; the Clippers are old; Harden is on his way out. Don't get me wrong, he is still a phenomenal player. But his MVP season is behind him and his talent is being replaced with hot young players. His best shot at a championship was with Philly. He had such good players around him, so he didn't have to do it all on his own. With the Nets, the powerful trio of Durant, Irving, and Harden literally only played 16 games together. (Sporting News) That dynasty was a failure, and didn't give any of them a Finals victory. Harden doesn't have much of a chance at his goal anywhere else, so he really is only hurting himself. 

    And the drama gets better with a Damian Lillard trade request and a Zach LaVine free agency. When Harden departs to whatever team he desires, Lillard and LaVine are excellent options to replace the Beard. If Harden ends up going to the Knicks, acquiring Jalen Brunson would also be a possibility. But there are some issues that come with that. Even though Portland is ready to rebuild their team, their not just going to send one of the greatest players in the league to get a cranky old Harden who wants to leave teams after only two years. That is what makes Lillard so admirable: he stuck with the Blazers through thick and thin for 11 years. Portland will want more for their money and would probably ask for Tyrese Maxey as well, who the 76ers have made it clear they are not trading. The 76ers are also not first in line as Dame seems more interested in the Heat more than any other team. 

Adding Lillard to the 76ers could make them unstoppable

Photo Credit: LiveNOW  (from Fox)

    Obviously Lillard replacing Harden is ideal, and the Blazers know that. Adding LaVine to the Sixers isn't a horrible trade idea, but LaVine is no Lillard. So as of now, the 76ers will have to try as hard as they can to lure Dame away from Miami, and into Philly. 

The first photo was taken from a SixersWire article. Photo was taken by David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports. Article written by Ky Carlin. Image used for commentary.

The second photo was taken from a LiveNOW article. Photo taken by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images. Article written by Tim Reynolds. Image used for commentary.