Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier, 2024 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G James Harden
Certainly, this feels like one of those unlikely choices we just spoke about. The Charlotte Hornets may not be interested in taking the ball out of LaMelo Ball’s hands.
Meanwhile, 76ers general manager Daryl Morey is notoriously star-hungry. Hayward and Rozier are both relatively big names, but neither are James Harden.
Still, there are justifications for this arrangement if you dig deep enough.
For one, the Hornets could potentially clear their books here. That’s vital for a team that’s about to pay RFA Miles Bridges, especially with Ball’s max rookie extension coming soon.
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Here, Harden would likely accept his player option, see how a Hornets backcourt partnership with Ball plays out and hit unrestricted free agency a year later if he doesn’t like the results.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are banking on continued development for Tyrese Maxey with this deal. If they get it, they achieve better floor balance by bringing in two quality veterans. A backcourt of Maxey and Rozier is distinctly above average, and Gordon Hayward instantly becomes the best wing on their roster.
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If Embiid continues playing at an MVP candidate’s pace, this Hornets deal should arm the Sixers with enough support for him to continue contending without worrying about Harden’s potential decline.
