NBA rumors about James Harden leaving the 76ers are on fire with one NBA insider suggesting big-name replacements for Philadelphia.
The news that James Harden is opting in with the 76ers in order to facilitate a sign-and-trade has set off the NBA rumor mill.
Shams Charania says the Heat are interested. Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Knicks and Clippers will pursue the star guard.
But what about the 76ers? How can they turn Harden's departure into a positive? Links to Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard should have fans in Philadelphia licking their chops.
NBA Rumors: Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard named as James Harden replacements
ESPN's Brian Windhorst appeared on Pardon the Interruption after the Harden news broke and he suggested those two home run options for the 76ers.
Irving is a free agent and rumor has it he is planning to meet with the Suns, even if the smart money is on him re-signing with the Mavericks. Like Phoenix, Philadelphia could draw his interest as a title contender looking to replace a key guard.
Lillard has been the subject of a million trade rumors but he has yet to request a trade out of Portland and there's every indication the Trail Blazers won't move him until he forces them to.
The way Windhorst sees it, the 76ers could use the assets they gain from the Harden sign-and-trade to tempt the Blazers to be more willing to sell.
Both options still sound like real long shots with Windhorst speculating more than reporting. Still, he's been in front of other major NBA stories, so you've always got to listen.
Letting go of a player of Harden's caliber hurts, but the 76ers replacing him with either Irving or Lillard would be a landscape-shifting move in the Eastern Conference.
