Boston Celtics Receive: James Harden, Thaddeus Young
Houston Rockets Receive: Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, 2021 1st Round Pick (via BOS)
Chicago Bulls Receive: Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Romeo Langford, Robert Williams
This recent trade proposal by Hardwood Houdini’s Andrew Hughes centered around James Harden involves the former NBA MVP landing with the Boston Celtics. In order to help the process, the Chicago Bulls would get involved and reconfigure their roster.
The Celtics would take on $41.3M in salary cap spending as a trade exception could be applied for the $13.5M salary Thaddeus Young is set to earn. James Harden’s salary worth $41.2M would be the cap impact Boston would experience.
By taking on Zach LaVine ($19.5M) and Lauri Markkanen ($6.7M), the Rockets would experience a $15M savings in salary cap spending. LaVine has an additional season remaining on his current contract but Markkanen will be a restricted free agent next NBA offseason.
Lastly, the Bulls would receive the most players in this trade of any of the teams involved. Kemba Walker accounts for $34.3M of the $53M in total player salary that would be incoming— while Marcus Smart ($12.9M), Romeo Langford ($3.6M), and Robert Williams III ($2.0M) would be involved.
Let’s take a look at how this trade scenario centered around James Harden would benefit each the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics.
