The Most “Unforgettable” James Harden Moments With The Sixers
The James Harden era is over, finally. The Sixers sent him packing to the Clippers, and we can be done with the drama of whether he will show up to practice, and when is he going to play. So in honor of the news, today’s Audio Vault was dedicated to the James Harden era. When he was first traded here, some of the big moments he gave us on the court, and how it all came tumbling down.
Here is the lineup from the Audio Vault today:
- NBA Today Breaks the News Of James Harden Being Traded To The Sixers
- James Harden Expertly Panders to Philly Fans In Introductory Press Conference
- Harden’s First Basket With The Sixers
- Matt Cord Introduces Harden For The First Time
- Harden’s Game Winning Shot in Game 1 Against The Celtics
- Harden’s Big Shots in Game 4 vs the Celtics
- Harden Calls Daryl Morey a Liar
You can listen to the full Audio Vault below:
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Evaluating All 9 Assets in the Return Package for James Harden
Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris is an accomplished NBA veteran who has played 850 regular-season and playoff games. The Philadelphia native might have something left in the tank after playing 65 games in 2022-23, but he hasn’t played in a game yet this season.
His value in the trade has nothing to do with his fit in Philadelphia and everything to do with an annual salary of over $17 million coming off the books after the 2023-24 season.
Don’t expect him to play much of a role for the 76ers. It’s possible he never puts on the uniform.
Robert Covington
The irony of Robert Covington is real. The former Sam Hinkie acquisition became a microcosm of key talking points surrounding The Process during his first tenure with the Sixers from 2014-18.
He probably has a little bit more left in the tank than fellow veteran shooter Danny Green. However, expect the bigger takeaway of Covington’s second stint with the Sixers to have more to do with Process debates than what’s happening on the floor.
Nicolas Batum
Expiring contracts carry value in the NBA. Nicolas Batum will turn 35 in six weeks. He hasn’t averaged double figures since 2017-18, but his $11.7 million annual salary comes off the books after 2023-24.
Kenyon Martin Jr.
The 22-year-old Kenyon Martin Jr. has just begun his fourth NBA season. He averaged 12.7 points for the Houston Rockets in 2022-23. He is the only player the Sixers acquired in the trade who might have a legitimate long-term upside.
However, the organization likely sees more value in his expiring contract.
2028 Unprotected First-Round Pick
It’s not like it’s ever a bad thing to acquire an extra first-round pick in a trade. However, consider that the player selected with this pick might be 13 or 14 years old right now.
The Sixers might not make this selection, especially considering that Daryl Morey doesn’t have the long-term stability within the organization to focus on loading up future picks that he doesn’t plan on moving.
Two Second-Round Picks
It’s good to add sweeteners to any trade. Fans of the 76ers got used to acquiring second-round picks while Sam Hinkie was in charge, and they probably know that they shouldn’t expect them to materialize into much.
2029 Pick Swap
The right to a pick swap could help the 76ers gain a better draft position in 2029. For now, all it does is remind their fan base of a similar move Hinkie made in 2015 that led to a dooming chain of events.
The Sixers used the swap to move up to the third spot in the 2017 NBA Draft. They used the advantageous position to make the infamous deal with the Boston Celtics to acquire the top pick in the draft and select Markelle Fultz.
This one has to turn out better. Right?
First-Round Pick From Unannounced NBA Team
The difference between the top of the first round and the bottom of the first round is greater in the NBA Draft than it is in any other sport. Wait and see which team must send the future first-rounder to the Sixers before evaluating the asset.
The Real Acquisition: Salary Cap Space and Roster Flexibility
Analyzing the return package for James Harden singularly doesn’t tell the whole story.
Daryl Morey needed to move Harden, and he didn’t have much leverage to do so. Therefore, he had a tough time getting anything notable that affects the short-term status of the team.
His goal is to set the Sixers up for an additional move that actually helps them on the floor. He now has flexibility that didn’t exist with James Harden on the roster.
