James Harden should leave 76ers, says pundit Stephen Smith

James Harden requested a move from the Philadelphia 76ers a month ago, but the 33-year-old is yet to find a new club.

That has stirred many speculations about the superstar future and TV pundit Stephen Smith is one of them, suggesting that the delay is beneficial to the 76ers, who will eventually be better off without their starlet.

Speaking on First Take Smith stated that Philadelphia should opt for a younger prospect in the face of Tyrese Maxey, which will prompt the trade of Harden.

“I say roll the dice, take your chances,” Smith said. “You hand Tyrese Maxey that ball and say ‘you that dude.’”

.@stephenasmith thinks the 76ers are better off without James Harden 👀

"I think it's a beautiful thing if James Harden leaves Philadelphia for this one reason … Tyrese Maxey. … You're the Philadelphia 76ers, you hand Tyrese Maxey that ball and say, 'You that dude.'" pic.twitter.com/62IP3262QR

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— First Take (@FirstTake) July 24, 2023

“If Harden is not there, that puts the ball in Maxey’s hands even more,”

“Whatever we’ve seen, we may see a better version in the years to come.”

It is a risky move to put a youngster in the place of an established player, but it is certainly something that the 76ers might be interested in looking at.