In the middle of all the recent developments that happened in the NBA, interestingly, the Miami Heat has remained noticeably silent regarding any interest in acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. This move has drawn attention, especially considering the increasing competitiveness of the Eastern Conference.
Damian Lillard‘s unexpected shift to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jrue Holiday’s transfer to the Boston Celtics have transformed the dynamics of the East. These changes position the Bucks and the Celtics as strong competitors in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts had naturally assumed the Heat would make a try for Harden to make it even.
However, according to Bill Reiter of CBS Sports, Miami has not been actively looking for the star guard. Although Harden’s move to Miami is still possible, sources suggest that it’s “highly unlikely”.
“Sources tell CBS Sports that the Miami Heat, at this point, have not seriously engaged in trade talks for James Harden and see his arrival, while not impossible, as highly unlikely.” – @sportsreiter via @CBSSportsNBA https://t.co/wyJOQB0sgL pic.twitter.com/eRuCUNZ2IZ
— Dru (@dru_star) October 11, 2023
Well, the question that arises here is: Does Miami believe that its current roster is strong enough to compete in the East? If we look historically, the team has displayed resilience and often outperformed expectations. With the Eastern Conference now bolstered by Lillard and Holiday’s new homes, the Heat’s strategy will be closely watched in the upcoming season.
Doc Rivers speaks on his relationship with James Harden in Philadelphia
The tension in Philadelphia is clearly visible with James Harden‘s desire to exit the 76ers. With his trade drama making headlines, former coach Doc Rivers shared some insights about their time together. Rivers, who recently lost his position as head coach after the team’s departure from the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 61-year-old spoke openly about his relationship with Harden during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today.
“It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good. It was pretty much neutral. It was an honest relationship at the end of the day. I was very honest. I really believe there’s ways you have to play to win and, obviously, I was never willing to compromise on that. It was a relationship of communication. I can tell you, we talked when we needed to talk all the time,” Rivers said.
“It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, it was pretty much neutral… I really believe there’s ways you have to play to win, and you know obviously I was never willing to compromise on that.”
– Doc Rivers on his relationship with James Harden (via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/BQScKDv89M
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) October 11, 2023
According to Rivers, their interaction was never totally positive or negative; he described their relationship as “neutral”. The two maintained an “honest relationship” and always discussed important matters. However, it’s clear that their open conversations didn’t help them achieve any major postseason success.
Now that Rivers is replaced by Nick Nurse and Harden’s future is uncertain, the 76ers are in a difficult situation. As the 2023–24 season approaches, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see how the story develops and what the team’s next move will be.