James Harden has been one of the most talked about names in the NBA over the last few days. Reports and rumors have been swirling that he may want to leave the Houston Rockets and now he has reportedly requested a trade. The Miami Heat might be an intriguing trade destination for him.
Most of the talk has been surrounding Harden being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. If that happened, he would form an interesting “Big Three” alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. No one would have any idea what to expect from three players who all need the ball in their hands.
As for the Heat, they have not been talked about much as a potential landing spot. They are mainly thought to be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo next offseason when he hits free agency.
However, the Heat have been brought up sparingly as a potential landing spot for James Harden. Orestis Rantis of Hoops Habit even came up with an intriguing trade that would land the superstar shooting guard in South Beach.
Here is the trade that they came up with to send Harden from the Rockets to the Heat.
Rockets Receive: Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk, Andre Iguodala, 2022 First-Round Pick
Heat Receive: James Harden
Harden would form a lethal duo with Jimmy Butler. After he led the Heat to the NBA Finals last season, Butler would love to have another star on the roster. While Russell Westbrook has been talked about more as a Heat target, Harden would be a much bigger and better move.
During the 2019-20 NBA season with the Rockets, Harden once again showed why many believe he is the best player in the league. He averaged 34.3 points per game to go along with 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds. Harden shot 44.4 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent from three-point range.
Miami may not seem like the most likely landing spot, but Pat Riley has never been scared to make big-time moves. Trading for Harden and giving up a boatload to the Rockets would be risky, but a move that could win a title for the Heat.
Expect to hear a lot more rumors surrounding James Harden in the near future. The Rockets have a tough decision to make. Perhaps the Heat can make a run at acquiring the former MVP.
