3 reasons the Phoenix Suns should avoid James Harden at all costs

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 27: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 27: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 27: James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 27: James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

With the Phoenix Suns now staring into a long and uncertain summer after their postseason shortcomings, we are about to enter a period where they are linked to all manner of ridiculous trade proposals and free agency signings.

Any group that boasts Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul is going to have to accept this, and despite exiting the playoffs sooner than they would have liked to, the Suns are still in an enviable position across the league.

If they can make the right moves around the fringes of their squad this summer, they will be right back in contention next year.

Already another avenue has appeared before the organization however, with news that James Harden, former teammate of Durant with both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets, would be open to joining the team.

Harden has a player option of over $35 million for next season with his current employers, the Philadelphia 76ers. It would be insane for him to turn this money down and enter free agency, until you consider Harden has made over $300 million in career earnings from playing alone and does not include any of his many endorsement deals.

If Harden was to hit the unrestricted market, there are many who feel he would go back to the Houston Rockets. A place where he was at the top of his game for a decade, and who have found themselves directionless since his departure.

The Suns should absolutely stay away from the 33-year-old, and there are plenty more reasons than his disappearing act during crucial moments for the 76ers in the playoffs to consider when turning down any advances from the player.