76ers
While the Sixers stand a chance to lose guard James Harden in free agency, they are not expected to pursue Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Harden is expected to opt out of his contract and seek a four-year deal, while VanVleet reportedly has already opted out to become a free agent himself.
Along with the Sixers, Harden is said to be weighing a reunion with the Rockets, though that possibility appears to be dwindling lately.
VanVleet was linked to the Sixers after they hired former Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
As for Harden, Philadelphia reportedly would like to re-sign him, but perhaps not at any cost.
“The Sixers are not desperate,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “While they absolutely want James Harden back, and I think there’s a way they can play together and still be highly successful, the Sixers have other moves they can make. If Harden walks, they have cap space. They have tradeable contracts. They have things they can do. Harden is important but not the end all and be all for the 76ers.”
Wizards
- Forward Kristaps Porzingis is considering picking up his $36 million player option with the Wizards, per Fischer.
- If that’s the case, the Wizards’ new front office could consider trading him, Fischer added. Porzingis would be eligible for free agency again in the summer of 2024 if he exercises his option. Unless, of course, he is signed to an extension.
- It’s not yet been determined what the Wizards intend to do with fellow forward Kyle Kuzma, as we relayed here. Kuzma is expected to decline his option and enter free agency.
- We have all the latest on the Bradley Beal trade rumors here and all the time on our Wizards page.
Knicks
The Knicks have made it clear they would be interested in a trade for Beal if he were to become available, per Fred Katz of The Athletic.
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