5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

5 free agents with ties to James Harden for Philadelphia 76ers to pursue: Jeff Green

If the Philadelphia 76ers look to bulk up their frontcourt depth this offseason, one target that should be on their radar is a versatile veteran in Jeff Green. Green has been the ideal role player throughout his career, serving as a do-it-all forward wherever he has played over the years.

Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Green has averaged 12.6 points while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, in addition to tallying 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

While those numbers may not jump off the page, the 35-year-old is an established veteran that could bring serviceable scoring, defense, rebounding, and versatility to Philadelphia’s bench, just as he did alongside Harden during previous stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Brooklyn Nets. Every contender needs a Swiss Army Knife like Jeff Green, and he could be a perfect fit in Philly.

For Philadelphia to pursue Green’s services this offseason, he will first need to opt-out of his deal with the Denver Nuggets worth $4.5 million for next season. There is no guarantee that he will do that, but if he does, there will be a long line of teams looking to bring him in, and the 76ers should be among them.

While they won’t be able to offer him the most lucrative deal, they could pitch the idea of playing alongside a star-studded tandem in Harden and Embiid, one of which he has familiarity with from their prior playing days, while competing at the forefront of a championship in a tough Eastern Conference.