NBA Rumors: James Harden will still be a 76er come opening night

There has been quite the back and forth between the Philadelphia 76ers and theLos Angeles Clippers this summer. As we all know, this summer Harden opted into his contract and wanted to work with the 76ers on a trade out of Philadelphia. For now, Harden and the Sixers are at a stalemate, and Philadelphia is willing to be patient.

During the Inside The Association Tip-Off Special, Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that although Harden "seems professional and engaged when present" the former MVP has only played 5-on-5 in a live scrimmage once, has not attended any preseason games, and skipped at least one shootaround.

Pat Garrity, former assistant GM for the Detroit Pistons, was also on the Inside The Association Tip-Off Special. He argued the fact Harden hasn't played could hint at a deal on the horizon. Garrity said, "the fact that he's not played in preseason games so far, the fact that he's [doing what you're saying and] keeping himself in shape. To me, that signals that maybe a deal is closer to being done than not."

Although the Clippers and Sixers have held talks, no trade has been made. Jake Fischer, Senior NBA Reporter for Yahoo Sports recently reported that Terance Mann was off the table and it's expected that Harden will be with the Sixers for opening night next Thursday.

Keep in mind, Terrence Mann is on a team-friendly two-year, $22,000,000 contract. In addition, he's carved out a role for himself on a team with multiple established stars. All in all, Mann's talent and favorable contract boost the Clippers' championship hopes. Now, with Mann supposedly out of the picture, there's no telling how long this game of hardball will continue for.

NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets eyeing potential trade with Pistons/Jazz

On Tuesday, Oct. 17 the Houston Rockets traded Kevin Porter Jr. and two future second-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. In light of recent allegations, the Thunder said Porter Jr. "will be waived immediately." With less than a week to go until the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Houston Rockets hope to make some last minute moves to improve their roster.

Even though Oladipo has undergone three major surgeries in the last four years, Houston sees him as an asset. According to Senior NBA Reporter Jake Fischer, "Houston has held trade discussions with Detroit regarding Alec Burks, league sources told Yahoo Sports and the veteran ball-handler holds a $10.5 million salary that's nearly a direct match." Fischer also reported, "The Rockets were also in touch with Utah on deal structures that would have sent Talen Horton-Tucker to Houston, sources said."

Detroit Pistons guards include Thompson, Sasser, and Ivey. All three are young and will need the ball in their hands to develop. It could be argued that Burks would limit those players' touches. At the end of the day, Detroit's timeline is young and there simply aren't enough minutes to go around. Whether it's with Detroit or Utah, don't be surprised if Houston makes a move soon.

NBA rumors: Bob Myers praises New York Knicks

Bob Myers, former Golden State Warrior GM and two-time NBA Executive of the Year, complimented the New York Knicks for their transformation into a playoff contender.

"If you want to evaluate a front office, look at what it was when they got there and what it is now," Myers said. "I don't think anyone would disagree the Knicks are in a much better place (now) than they were prior to Leon, Wes and Thibodeau showing up."

Although the Knicks traded away Obi Toppin to the Pacers and added Donte DiVincenzo this offseason, they've yet to make a big splash in free agency. They let Donovan Mitchell slip through their fingers in the past. They weren't super motivated to land Damian Lillard or James Harden this summer. However, Myers believes this type of approach is part of the business.

"I think the Knicks have been patient and at least they haven't done anything irrational in my mind. They haven't had a big misstep where you would say, 'Hey, look they blew it on the wrong guy.' And that can set you back for years. So I think there has to be a healthy amount of impatience but not imprudent."

As a result of the transformation, New York has become an attractive destination for players looking for a change of scenery.

"I think what has shifted (recently is) ... there was a time where I felt like people may not have wanted to play in (New York City). And I think that's changed, I think now you're looking at murmurings, hearing things – 'Hey, what about the Knicks?' And the draft capital they have – it's a realistic thing. It's not some lay person saying, 'Well, the Knicks should go get this guy!' Now it's viable, it's possible. And they have what it takes with first-round picks in their cabinet to go do it."

According to Myers, the next move that the Knicks make will be crucial. "You can't control the deals that present themselves, to a certain degree," Myers said, "But when the one (you want) does, you have to get that deal done, whatever it is. Whatever you identify as this is the thing that is going to make us great, you just have to make sure that that happens."

As an organization, you're on the right track if Bob Myers is singing to your praises. Last season, the Knicks finished 47-35, their best season in 10 years. They start the regular season on Oct. 25 against the Celtics. With Myers' vote of confidence, the Knicks look to continue this trend of success.