According to Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN Insider, the New York Knicks are not interested in James Harden for a year.
“The Knicks talked to the Sixers early on about this thing, but there’s not a lot of motivation for the Knicks to make a one-year lease on James Harden,” Wojnarowski said. “Whoever brings in Harden really sees him as a one-year rental.”
Harden requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason after choosing his player option to remain with the team. He is owed $35.6 million for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Harden has requested three trades in the last three seasons, an unprecedented amount in the league. While he adds value to any team he plays for as he is still an All-Star caliber player, many shy away from trading him as he may not be worth the drama at the price they would pay for him. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the Knicks were involved in initial discussions about Harden’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers, but neither was willing to meet Philadelphia’s asking price.
Harden is expected to return to camp with Philadelphia despite his trade request.