Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers Among Teams Interested in James Harden

• The Miami Heat enter the race for James Harden as the Rockets superstar remains disgruntled with his squad.
• Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was fined $25K for violating league media rules.
• LeBron James named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year.

It is no secret that Houston Rockets star James Harden has been unsettled with his current club. After not joining his team on time, the likelihood of a Harden move seems more and more likely each day. While the Brooklyn Nets seemed to be the initial favorites, other teams seem to have surpassed them in interest as the days went on.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, the Heat and James Harden share a mutual interest. After the Miami Heat’s Finals run last season, the addition of the three-time scoring champion would be massive. Despite the said interest, the Rockets have repeatedly said they have no intention to trade the former MVP.

In addition to the Miami Heat, a report from the New York Times said that the Philadelphia 76ers are the most likely destination for the disgruntled star. The connection between current Sixers executive Daryl Morey and James Harden is obvious, but acquiring Harden without losing Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid is the main issue.

Kyrie Irving Fined $25K for Violating League Media Rules

Kyrie Irving is a fantastic basketball player, one of the best in the NBA. However, Irving seems to make waves anytime he is in front of a microphone. After refusing to speak during the NBA’s Media Week, Irving was fined $25K by the NBA for violating league rules governing media access for “refusal on several occasions this week to participate in team media availability.”

Irving responded to his fine via Instagram, stating:

I pray we utilize the ‘fine money’ for the marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is presently. I am here for Peace, Love, and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team, and appreciate the Art. We move different over here. “I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more.

An NBA Champion in 2016, Irving is entering his second season with the Brooklyn Nets after playing only 20 games with the team in the previous season. He has reportedly made a full recovery from knee and shoulder issues and is expected to take the court with Kevin Durant for the first time this season.

LeBron James Named Time’s Athlete of the Year

After achieving his fourth NBA title, LeBron James demanded respect from the league, media, and greater sports world. It didn’t take long for said recognition, as iconic magazine Time named James their Athlete of the Year.

In their announcement Time wrote, “After nearly two decades in the NBA, James has fully embraced that his talent on the court is a means to achieving something greater off it.” James was credited for his accomplishments on the court, as well as off the court.

Being one of the most socially active athletes, LeBron James was not just instrumental in the return of the NBA and the Lakers’ seventeenth NBA title, but he was the leader of More Than A Vote, a group whose priority was combating systemic, racist voter suppression by educating, energizing, and protecting communities.

LA Clippers Retain Paul George on Four-Year, $190M Deal

The LA Clippers secured their future as they signed All-Star guard Paul George to a max-level extension worth an additional $190 million over four years, on top of the $35 million he is owed for 2020-2021. The deal is an effort in preservation, as George would have the opportunity to opt-out and become a free agent in 2021 under his previous deal.

George’s extension also features a Player Option for his final year, allowing him to opt-out of his deal a year early in order to negotiate a new salary. Considering the Clippers guard will be 35 years old by that time, the security is surely welcome.

With George secured, all eyes are on the Clippers’ front office and their efforts in retaining Kawhi Leonard. In the 2019 offseason, the LA Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $103 million max contract. He also has a player option during the 2021 offseason, allowing him to either renegotiate his contract or seek different opportunities.