The Philadelphia 76ers are currently in the midst of some big changes.
After falling short in the playoffs yet again, they relieved head coach Doc Rivers of his job and then hired former Toronto Raptors HC Nick Nurse.
But the changes might not stop there, as multiple rumors suggest that James Harden will test free agency waters in the next few weeks and possibly leave the City of Brotherly Love for another destination.
Nurse spoke about this possibility recently and said he talked to Harden on the phone about free agency.
According to Tim Bontemps, Nurse attempted to sell Harden on the idea of staying in Philadelphia with a simple concept: winning.
“Winning is the sell,” Nurse said.
Nick Nurse said he’s talked to James Harden on the phone and plans to meet with him ahead of free agency. His sales pitch? “Winning is the sell.”
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) June 1, 2023
Will that be enough to keep Harden around in Philadelphia?
It remains to be seen but most conventional wisdom says that Harden will likely be leaving the Sixers in the near future.
The Houston Rockets are the preferred destination, according to inside reports.
It sounds like Harden desires to play for a team that allows him to be himself and perform as he wishes.
It’s not clear if he can do that with the 76ers, considering he will always be working alongside Joel Embiid and will forever be seen as a second option or Embiid’s right-hand man.
While winning is certainly enticing, Harden is more focused on enjoying the game no matter how many wins come from that.
He hasn’t secured a championship ring yet and leaving the Sixers for the Rockets will surely put him further away from that goal.
But that still might not stop Harden.
NEXT: Nick Nurse Reveals His Pitch To James Harden