In the wake of James Harden requesting a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, one NBA writer has proposed that the Sixers trade the former MVP to the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Sixers send Harden and PJ Tucker to the Bulls for LaVine and Patrick Williams.
“A swap of Harden and LaVine (as well as Tucker and Williams) works for a number of reasons,” Swartz wrote. “For the 76ers, a starting five of Tyrese Maxey, LaVine, Williams, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid packs a ton of offensive punch, with a bench of De’Anthony Melton, Patrick Beverley, Furkan Korkmaz, Danuel House Jr. and restricted free agent Paul Reed providing some defense to mix in. LaVine is under contract for the next four seasons, giving Embiid some stability from a co-star.”
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports mentioned the Bulls in the Harden trade sweepstakes since they have two All-Stars in LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The Sixers are looking to acquire a grand package for Harden, who averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season. The three-time scoring champion led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities. However, the team hasn’t found a team willing to give them what they want for the shooting guard. Chicago is said to hold LaVine’s trade value far above the return the Washington Wizards netted for Bradley Beal, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Harden could present a short-term option for the Bulls to help make a playoff push. While many would likely prefer Chicago to value a rebuilding trade package over a star who will be 34 in late August, the franchise may not see it the same way. If it’s still win-now mode for them, perhaps this works.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
As for the Sixers, it’s a must to find a co-star replacement for Harden. LaVine would be an intriguing options. He averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23. He will make $40 million next season. The UCLA product signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022.
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