The Philadelphia 76ers have started the season with renewed hope and optimism. Following a tumultuous offseason filled with speculation about James Harden’s potential trade, coach Nick Nurse has got his troops firing again. Determined to be traded to another team, Harden watched his team win against the Blazers from the sidelines. With the Sixers aiming to start a new era under Nick Nurse, the Sixers hierarchy would like to move Harden to another team as quickly as possible.

But interest in James Harden has been at an all-time low and only the Clippers seem interested. With neither side willing to compromise, an intriguing solution has emerged for Harden to facilitate his desired move.

Only Way Out for Harden

The James Harden trade saga has rambled on for the entirety of the offseason. The issue still hasn’t been resolved, as neither party is willing to budge from their position. It hasn’t helped that interest in Harden is at an all-time low, with only the Clippers interested in Harden.

However, even the Clippers aren’t willing to offer 27-year-old forward Terence Mann in a trade. With opportunities diminishing for Harden and the 76ers, a journalist has come up with an intriguing plan.

Kevin O’Conner, a journalist for the Ringer, has suggested a potential way out for Harden.

In a recent article, O’Connor proposed that Harden’s best chance of joining the Clippers would be through a contract buyout from a tanking team. He wrote, “Get dealt to some bad team like the Bulls or Blazers and then get bought out to then sign with the Clippers. That’d be a fine result if the Sixers can get enough in return”.

Harden’s best opportunity to compete for a title is with the Sixers. If both parties can set aside their differences, then the 76ers could become a serious title challenger.

Revitalized Sixers

Many analysts picked the Sixers to have a massive drop-off following the Harden saga. But their start to the season has been promising. Head coach Nick Nurse has completely overhauled their offense. Nurse has brought a sense of unpredictability to their offense.

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He said, “We talked a lot about a little more unpredictability. I just think we have to relieve some of the pressure. Guys are overplaying and sending multiple players at him and we have to find easy baskets out of it”.

As expected, Tyrese Maxey has taken a leap in terms of production. He has averaged 30.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games this season. Good role players like Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton have also stepped up in Harden’s absence. The Sixers haven’t looked off-pace as predicted before the start of the season. The 76ers can make serious noise in the playoffs if Harden decides to return. But will Harden change his mind?

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