Just over a year ago, James Harden opted into his 76ers contract and demanded a trade. That decision paved the way for a super team — in Philadelphia.
On June 29, 2023, Harden surprised the NBA world when he chose not to become an unrestricted free agent, and instead picked up his player option. Then he requested to be traded to the Clippers, though the deal didn’t happen until four months later. Rather than Harden leaving for nothing, the Sixers held out until they got a big return.
