Since being traded to the Sixers two weeks ago, James Harden’s jersey is the NBA’s best-selling jersey, the Fanatics Network announced in a report with the Philadelphia Business Journal. Additionally, the Sixers are the league’s top team for merchandise sales during the same span, the sports apparel retailer said Wednesday. Before the trade, Harden was not in the top 15 highest selling jerseys, and the Sixers were eighth in merch sales, per Philadelphia Business Journal.
The sudden jersey sales boom shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though. Virtually the entire city of Philadelphia was eager for the team to move on from the disgruntled Simmons, and now with Harden in tow, fans are eager to show their adoration of the newly-acquired all-star.
For Philly, James Harden is arguably the biggest trade acquisition in franchise history and certainly the most notable other than the blockbuster Moses Malone trade of 1983.
Now, paired with the current NBA leader in points per game in Joel Embiid, Harden has a unique opportunity to replicate what Malone did by bringing a championship to Philly in his first season with the team. The first former MVP to don a Sixers uniform since Allen Iverson, Harden provides plenty of reasons for Sixers fans to be excited.
One of the most prolific scorers in league history, James Harden’s jersey will likely continue to fly off the shelves as he grows into a fan favorite amongst Sixers fans. Harden, 32, is expected to make his Sixers debut Friday night in Minnesota in what will likely be remembered as the most highly-anticipated debut by a Philly athlete since Bryce Harper in 2019.
