PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: Jeff Green
If the Philadelphia 76ers look to bulk up their frontcourt depth this offseason, one target that should be on their radar is a versatile veteran in Jeff Green. Green has been the ideal role player throughout his career, serving as a do-it-all forward wherever he has played over the years.
Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Green has averaged 12.6 points while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, in addition to tallying 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
While those numbers may not jump off the page, the 35-year-old is an established veteran that could bring serviceable scoring, defense, rebounding, and versatility to Philadelphia’s bench, just as he did alongside Harden during previous stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Brooklyn Nets. Every contender needs a Swiss Army Knife like Jeff Green, and he could be a perfect fit in Philly.
For Philadelphia to pursue Green’s services this offseason, he will first need to opt-out of his deal with the Denver Nuggets worth $4.5 million for next season. There is no guarantee that he will do that, but if he does, there will be a long line of teams looking to bring him in, and the 76ers should be among them.
While they won’t be able to offer him the most lucrative deal, they could pitch the idea of playing alongside a star-studded tandem in Harden and Embiid, one of which he has familiarity with from their prior playing days, while competing at the forefront of a championship in a tough Eastern Conference.
Houston Rockets playing alongside Harden, having shot 38.2 percent on six three-point attempts per contest.</p>
<p>He would fit seamlessly alongside Harden and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, giving them a reliable threat out on the perimeter who can let it fly with confidence, and he could provide some instant offense in the second unit.</p>
<p>While McLemore is coming off one of his better seasons – having averaged 10.2 points per game with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/portland-trail-blazers/">Portland Trail Blazers – he will likely not command a hefty amount during free agency in the coming months.</p>
<p>James Harden should do some recruiting to lure the sharpshooter to the 76ers, as his fit with the team would be seamless. Given their lack of financial flexibility, Philadelphia needs to land some quality low-cost free agents to strengthen their roster this offseason, and perhaps a player like McLemore could be a hidden gem signing.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445270 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300754677.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300754677.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300754677-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: Jeff Green</h2>
<p>If the Philadelphia 76ers look to bulk up their frontcourt depth this offseason, one target that should be on their radar is a versatile veteran in Jeff Green. Green has been the ideal role player throughout his career, serving as a do-it-all forward wherever he has played over the years.</p>
<p>Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Green has averaged 12.6 points while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, in addition to tallying 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.</p>
<p>While those numbers may not jump off the page, the 35-year-old is an established veteran that could bring serviceable scoring, defense, rebounding, and versatility to Philadelphia’s bench, just as he did alongside Harden during previous stints with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/oklahoma-city-thunder/">Oklahoma City</a> Thunder, Houston Rockets, and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/brooklyn-nets/">Brooklyn Nets. Every contender needs a Swiss Army Knife like Jeff Green, and he could be a perfect fit in Philly.</p>
<p>For Philadelphia to pursue Green’s services this offseason, he will first need to opt-out of his deal with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/denver-nuggets/">Denver Nuggets worth $4.5 million for next season. There is no guarantee that he will do that, but if he does, there will be a long line of teams looking to bring him in, and the 76ers should be among them.</p>
<p>While they won’t be able to offer him the most lucrative deal, they could pitch the idea of playing alongside a star-studded tandem in Harden and Embiid, one of which he has familiarity with from their prior playing days, while competing at the forefront of a championship in a tough Eastern Conference.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #3 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445269 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1302721504.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1302721504.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1302721504-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket past DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: DeMarcus Cousins</h2>
<p>Sticking with the frontcourt, the Philadelphia 76ers could look to bulk up their center depth behind Joel Embiid this offseason, and one player that could help is DeMarcus Cousins.</p>
<p>Though he isn’t the four-time All-Star player that he once was, Cousins proved this past season that he could still play at a high level in the right role. Splitting the year playing for the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/milwaukee-bucks/">Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, Cousins played solidly in a backup center role by averaging 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just 15 minutes per game.</p>
<p>Philadelphia will be in the hunt for a backup center this offseason as they will likely not retain DeAndre Jordan, and Cousins could be the perfect fit to provide scoring, toughness, and rebounding when Embiid is off the floor catching his breath. As for the James Harden connection, Cousins briefly shared the floor with the MVP to start the 2020-21 campaign before the latter was dealt to the Nets in the now-infamous blockbuster trade.</p>
<p>While the Nuggets will likely look to keep Cousins, as Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reported that they do<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://twitter.com/HarrisonWind/status/1526300587238694912" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> have a strong interest in re-signing him</a>, that should not stop the 76ers from attempting to lure him to Philadelphia.</p>
<p>After cycling through several names at center this past season, adding a solid backup center will be among the top priorities for the 76ers, and an established veteran in Cousins would fit the billing in that regard.</p>
<p>Cousins could also be among the more affordable free agent centers to pursue this offseason, as he will likely not be seeking a considerable amount of cash wherever he ends up. Whatever the case may be, Cousins should be on Philadelphia’s radar.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #4 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445256 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1371768309.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1371768309.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1371768309-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers is defended by Serge Ibaka #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 17, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Philadelphia defeated Milwaukee 123-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: Serge Ibaka</h2>
<p>If Cousins ultimately stays with the Denver Nuggets, another target that the Philadelphia 76ers should inquire about to improve their center depth is Serge Ibaka. Ibaka has been a reputable two-way player throughout his NBA career, having started off with the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside a young James Harden.</p>
<p>Throughout his 13-year NBA playing career, Ibaka has racked up three All-Defensive selections and been named the NBA’s block champ twice, having made a living in this league with his defense.</p>
<p>While he is not the player he once was, Ibaka could certainly still give the 76ers a quality defensive-minded big man to protect the hoop. Ibaka is no slouch on the offensive end either, as he has averaged 12.1 points per contest while burying an eye-catching 36 percent of his three-pointers throughout his career, meaning he could also give this team a scoring lift off the bench .</p>
<p>Looking at Ibaka’s potential market in free agency, there will be no shortage of teams looking to ink his signature. While this is purely speculation, one thing that Ibaka will likely be seeking more than anything this offseason is an opportunity.</p>
<p>The center was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at the NBA trade deadline and scarcely played throughout the final half of the season, which had to have been a frustrating turn of events. As he hits unrestricted free agency, he will likely attempt to find a place where he can have a significant role, and Philadelphia can offer him that opportunity as their backup center behind Embiid.</p>
<p>Adding a savvy veteran like Ibaka would be a big pickup for the 76ers, and perhaps reuniting with Harden could be a desirable opportunity for him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #5 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445268 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1395266947.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395266947.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395266947-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 02: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Miami Heat is defended by James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena on May 02, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: Serge Ibaka</h2>
<p>Defense, toughness, and three-point shooting are all attributes the Philadelphia 76ers should be in the market for this offseason, and P.J. Tucker provides all three.</p>
<p>The 37-year-old Tucker has been a quality role player throughout his career, notably helping the Milwaukee Bucks win the championship in 2021. Tucker also spent several seasons in Houston alongside James Harden as they went to battle in several deep playoff runs.</p>
<p>The forward is the perfect role player for any contender as he is not afraid to do the dirty work by defending the opposing team’s top scorer while making all the hustle plays. Though he is mostly known for his presence defensively, Tucker has also made a living as an outside shooter, where he has knocked down a solid 36.4 percent of his shots over 11 years. Due to everything he brings to the table, Tucker is someone that the 76ers should certainly have their eye on this offseason.</p>
<p>For the 76ers to even have a chance at landing Tucker, they will first need him to opt-out of his player option worth $7.4 million for next season. It seems likely that Tucker will accept it, given that he has seemingly found a nice home with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/miami-heat/">Miami Heat, but people said the same thing about Tucker after he won the title with Milwaukee, so nothing is ever set in stone.</p>
<p>If Tucker were to opt-out, perhaps Harden could do some recruiting to get his former teammate to sign with Philadelphia. Only time will tell what Tucker’s future holds as he ponders a player option this offseason.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/30/nba-free-agents-uncertain-value/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/08/james-harden-philadelphia-76ers-targets/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/30/nba-free-agents-uncertain-value/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value </a> </div>
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