Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal 

This entire deal depends on what else happens. 

For the Sixers, it depends on Harden leaving. If he doesn’t, they’ll stick with a backcourt of him and Tyrese Maxey. They don’t need to give up assets if they’re not forced to. 

On the Pelicans’ end, it depends on whether they trade for Henderson. If they do, and they trade one of Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson in the process, they’ll be in the market for a new forward. 

Why not Harris? His floor spacing will make life easier on their new rookie point guard.

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

Meanwhile, landing a lightly protected future first makes it worth their while to take a talent downgrade from McCollum to Harris. 

After all, theyre getting Scoot Henderson in the process.