Report: Rapper Meek Mill trying to lure James Harden to 76ers

“Rapper Meek Mill has a longstanding relationship with Harden and has been trying to convince him to come to Philadelphia,” per Kelly Iko.

If the Houston Rockets opt to trade disgruntled superstar James Harden, it remains to be seen how much (if any) his list of desired destinations will matter. With Harden under contract for at least two more seasons, any number of teams could take the “risk” of acquiring him without a long-term commitment and then attempt to change his mind at a later date.

And even if Harden chose not to stay with his next team beyond 2022, any deal would still probably be worthwhile if it results in a title — as it did for the Toronto Raptors after acquiring Kawhi Leonard in 2018.

Nonetheless, being on the preferred “list” does provide an extra layer of security. So far, Brooklyn with close friend Kevin Durant is reportedly at the top of Harden’s wish list, but some reports have indicated that Philadelphia and former Houston GM Daryl Morey is also in play.

One unique reason could be rapper Meek Mill, who happens to be a good friend of Harden. Per Kelly Iko and David Aldridge of The Athletic:

Philadelphia’s interest in Harden has grown in recent weeks, sources said. Morey’s ascension to the top decision-maker spot on the basketball side as president of basketball operations is an obvious link, given the history Harden and he share, but there’s also the lure of the Eastern Conference. Rapper Meek Mill has a longstanding relationship with Harden and has been trying to convince him to come to Philadelphia, according to a source. Billionaire Michael Rubin, a close friend of Meek’s and co-owner of the 76ers, is also very fond of Harden.

According to Iko and Aldridge, Morey would need to insert either All-Star guard Ben Simmons or All-Star center Joel Embiid into any trade proposal, should the Sixers want to strike a deal for Harden.

If Simmons or Embiid were made available, that could make the 76ers a more appealing trade partner for Houston than the Nets, since Durant and Kyrie Irving aren’t expected to be traded. While Brooklyn could offer a range of young players and future draft compensation, none of those assets would have the upside of a proven All-Star player.

Iko and Aldridge say that the “overwhelming expectation” around the NBA is for the Rockets to trade Harden at some point, but they acknowledge that talks could easily be delayed until 2021 — owing to the lack of immediate contractual pressure on Houston to make a move.

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