(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers have been under some turmoil this offseason.
It all started with James Harden asking out of Philadelphia.
The 76ers were hoping to bring him back, and his MVP teammate Joel Embiid wants him back.
But it appears that Harden’s mind is set on leaving the Sixers.
Yet, the 76ers’ front office plans to get a strong package in return for Harden.
One team Harden has expressed interest in joining is the Los Angeles Clippers.
Stephen A. Smith believes it may be in the Sixers’ best interest to move off Harden.
Smith said on “First Take” that Harden leaving would open the door for Tyrese Maxey to have a larger role.
.@stephenasmith thinks the 76ers are better off without James Harden
“I think it’s a beautiful thing if James Harden leaves Philadelphia for this one reason … Tyrese Maxey. … You’re the Philadelphia 76ers, you hand Tyrese Maxey that ball and say, ‘You that dude.'” pic.twitter.com/62IP3262QR
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 24, 2023
Maxey has proven to be one of the best young players in the league over the past few years.
He is only 23 years old and is coming off a season where he averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.
Maxey continues to improve each season and he is ready for a larger role.
He could see his assists and scoring take a jump if Harden were out of town.
Plus, it is not like the Sixers had immense success with Harden.
They still cannot reach the conference finals and the patience of the fanbase is wearing thin.
If the 76ers can add a few nice complementary pieces for Harden then a deal would make sense.
They already hired a new head coach in Nick Nurse.
Now it will be interesting to see what their opening night starting lineup looks like.
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