Day: September 6, 2023

During the 2023 offseason, James Harden was eligible for a four-year, $210 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers if he declined his $35.6 million player option and became a free agent.

Harden was expecting a contract in that range after taking less in 2022 and also leaving a four-year, $161 million extension on the table with the Brooklyn Nets.

Sources tell ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that there was a real debate within the Philadelphia front office on the type of contract they should offer Harden. As an eventual comparison point, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million deal.

Harden’s potential leverage with the Houston Rockets faded after they hired Ime Udoka as head coach.

As free agency approached, Daryl Morey wasn’t taking calls from Harden’s camp.

“James felt like Daryl was ghosting him,” one source close to Harden said. “He felt betrayed.”

The Sixers were stunned at Harden’s decision, sources said. They insisted they intended to re-sign Harden as soon as rules allowed.

“James takes things very personally,” another source close to Harden said. “When he feels like he’s been wronged, he can be very stubborn.”

The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t had meaningful conversations regarding a Damian Lillard trade in a while, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN. In the most recent episode of The Lowe Post podcast, Lowe indicated there’s nothing happening on a Lillard trade.

“I’ve heard there’s been nothing, I mean, like no meaningful dialogue at all,” Lowe said.

Lowe, and podcast guest Bobby Marks of ESPN, both agreed that there’s been very little traction on a Lillard trade. That includes conversations with the Miami Heat, and other teams. Marks said he thinks Lillard would need to make things uncomfortable for trade talks to pick up ahead of training camp. However, Marks said he doesn’t think Lillard will do that.

Danny Green has agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Green played last season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers after recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.

Green previously played for the Sixers in 20-21 and 21-22. Green also previously spent one season with the Toronto Raptors under Nick Nurse.

Christian Wood has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal.

Wood will hold a player option in Year 2.

Wood spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks, but the team did not show interest in re-signing him.

The Lakers also have Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura at the big positions.