The Philadelphia 76ers are "focused on re-signing James Harden," according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
"It appears that Philadelphia would prefer to sign Harden to a shorter-term agreement, one that still provides a lucrative payday," Fischer wrote.
Previously, Chris Haynes reported in May that James Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million player-option with the Sixers for the 2023-24 season.
Fischer also reports that the Sixers are not expected to pursue Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal, who Washington is reportedly working with in regards to a possible trade. Kyle Neubeck first reported that the Sixers are likely not interested in Beal on the Audacy Clap Your Hands podcast.
Fischer also reports that Philadelphia is "not expected to target" Raptors point-guard Fred VanVleet even if Harden leaves. VanVleet, a 29-year-old point guard, played for ex-Raptors and now current Sixers head coach, Nick Nurse. VanVleet averaged over 19 points and and six assists per game in each of the last three seasons, shooting 37.3-percent from three for his career.
And on a smaller note, Fischer adds the Sixers are looking to acquire a second-round pick in this year's NBA Draft.
So, from the sounds of it, it looks like the Sixers very well want to run it back with a core of Harden, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and P.J. Tucker.
Tobias Harris has one-year remaining on his five-year, $180 contract, making him and his expiring contract a possible trade chip. Harris has a cap hit of $39.3 million for this upcoming season.
Harden, who will turn 34 in August, is coming off of a season where he took a pay cut with the Sixers and had a successful regular season, averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and an NBA best 10.7 assists per game.
However, Harden was streaky in the postseason and came up small in key games six and seven against the Celtics in the semifinals, as the Sixers were eliminated in the second-round of the playoffs once again.
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