At some point, you have to ask yourself whether it's even worth it for James Harden to unpack anywhere he moves.
After failing to come to terms on a new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden, Thursday, opted into the final year of his contract at $35.6 million, but did so with a trade demand.
If you're trying to keep track, this will be the fourth team Harden has played for in three years (Rockets, Nets, Sixers and whatever team lands him this time).
So, how did we get here?
The story of Harden's prospective free agency has been brewing for months. At the All-Star break, league insiders felt there was a strong chance he would return to Houston in free agency. That was reported on, and momentum gathered through the spring, even as the Sixers attempted an ill-fated playoff run.