76ers’ Nick Nurse Confirms Meeting With James Harden

In a couple of weeks, James Harden has a big decision to make. With a player option on the table to play for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023-2024, Harden could make over $35 million by simply opting in. However, Harden is expected to decline his option and become a free agent.

Heading into the 2023 offseason, many assumed that a move back to the Houston Rockets would be the best bet for Harden’s future. Throughout the 2022-2023 season, there were countless rumors and reports suggesting that Harden could be back in a Rockets uniform next year.

But at this point, Harden is reportedly torn on returning to the Rockets or staying with the 76ers. If the star guard finds a way to stick around in Philly, he’ll have the chance to work with a new head coach, as the Sixers replaced Doc Rivers with Nick Nurse a couple of weeks ago.

When Nurse participated in his introductory press conference, the former Toronto Raptors head coach confirmed that he had a conversation with Harden. At that point, he did not have the chance to formally meet the ten-time All-Star since signing on with the 76ers.

And as far as making sales pitches go, Nurse didn’t attempt to sell Harden on the idea of returning just yet either.

“We didn’t get into that when we talked,” Nurse said earlier this month. “I’m going to sit down, as I am with all the guys, I’m going to sit down with them all one-on-one, face-to-face here shortly. Listen, I think that winning is always the sell, right? Can we be good enough to win it all? That’s got to be a goal of his. And if it is, then you should stay here and play for us because I think there’s a possibility of that.”

A couple of weeks later, Nurse confirmed that he finally had the chance to meet with Harden on a new episode of The Hoop Collective with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

“I did meet with him,” said Nurse. “Really good talk. I’ve talked to him quite a bit. He’s an intelligent player. He sees a lot in the game. ... He’s very enjoyable to talk basketball with — very smart and has a lot of experience — a lot of success.”

Will Nurse get the chance to coach Harden next season? That’s the big question surrounding the Sixers this summer, and the answer likely depends on how the Rockets construct their roster through the draft, free agency, and the trade market.

If the Rockets can expedite their rebuild by moving some of their assets for win-now pieces, they might intrigue Harden just enough to lure him back to Houston. If the Rockets struggle to put together a playoff-ready roster, then returning to Philadelphia and playing for Nurse could pan out to be an excellent opportunity for the veteran playmaker.