December 24, 2024

Report: Inside Kevin Durant, James Harden Relationship and KD ‘Sniffing Around’ 76ers

Kevin Durant #KevinDurant

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

It appears the relationship between James Harden and Kevin Durant has been repaired.

The former two-time teammates were seen partying together at a Travis Scott concert earlier this month, a moment that sent social media buzzing about a potential Durant-Harden reunion in Philadelphia.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said the viral moment came after an “all weekend” hang session that led to Durant considering the Sixers as a potential destination.

“KD and Harden, this is what I heard: They don’t talk after the trade. They basically go radio silent on each other. They run into each other. They hang out all weekend. And by the end of the weekend, KD is sniffing around on Philly,” Simmons said on his podcast.

While there may be some level of interest from Durant—and likely from the Sixers— Philadelphia has almost no chance of ultimately pulling off a trade.

The Sixers’ best offer would include Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle. Philadelphia has no future first-round picks to offer until 2029 due to the Stepien Rule, though the offer could include some pick swaps.

The Boston Celtics already topped the Sixers’ offer by making Jaylen Brown available. No matter how highly Maxey’s long-term value is viewed, Brown has already proven himself to be an All-Star capable of being the second-best player on a Finals contender. Brown is the trump card that every other team needs to beat, and the Sixers can’t do it.

Durant could attempt to leverage the situation to get his way to Philadelphia, but the Nets have shown they’re willing to drag things out as long as it takes to get an offer they like. It’s not often you see a team owner publicly say his organization won’t be leveraged by a player. Brooklyn has Durant under contract for four more seasons; the team has every right to play hardball.

In a nutshell: Kevin Durant’s only games in Philadelphia next season will be as a visitor. There will be no reunion.

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