James Harden built the 76ers' super team by leaving Philadelphia

Just over a year ago, James Harden opted into his 76ers contract and demanded a trade. That decision paved the way for a super team — in Philadelphia.

On June 29, 2023, Harden surprised the NBA world when he chose not to become an unrestricted free agent, and instead picked up his player option. Then he requested to be traded to the Clippers, though the deal didn't happen until four months later . Rather than Harden leaving for nothing, the Sixers held out until they got a big return.

The deal had three valuable components for the 76ers. The first was that they shed the contract of P.J. Tucker, saving $11.5M for next year. The second was the players they got to match Harden's salary, all four of whom had expiring deals totaling over $41M. Plus, Nic Batum was a playoff hero for the Sixers against the Knicks.

By trading Harden, they managed to get way under the salary cap, with Philly's Tobias Harris' giant deal also expiring. The third prize was getting two future Clippers first-round picks, plus a pick swap.

But not only did Philadelphia get a haul from dealing a 34-year-old veteran, they also got the benefit of the Harden era in Los Angeles beginning with a first-round loss.

That made Clippers ownership less willing to spend big on a non-contender, though they gave Harden a two-year $70M deal. Which in turn meant Paul George was to expensive for them, leaving him free to sign with ... the Sixers.

Not only did the Sixers add a third star alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they seriously weakened the Clippers, two years before Philadelphia gets their unprotected first-round pick. The worse the Clippers get, the better their draft picks get.

Trading for James Harden in 2022 couldn't get the 76ers over the top. But getting rid of him might have done the trick.