Former NBA superstar James Harden has requested a trade. He doesn’t want to be a Philadelphia 76er anymore. That’s no surprise. Harden grew tired of being a Houston Rocket. After that, he quickly tired of the Brooklyn Nets. By now, we’ve come to expect trade requests from this superstar.
The Sixers won’t give up on him easily. General manager Daryl Morey is not known for being a pushover. Recently, it’s been reported that the team is hopeful that they can hang onto Harden this summer.
Time will tell. Harden could walk his request back. With that said, if he doesn’t, expect Morey to hold out for a package that has him landing a star in return. That may require roping a third team into a deal. Here’s a three-team trade that sends Harden to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F/C Larry Nance Jr., G/F Dyson Daniels, G Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round PIck (NOP)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G James Harden
With that said, we shouldn’t be too hard on Harden, either. He gave his all to the Houston Rockets. When he decided that the team was heading in the wrong direction, he was right. The Rockets had declined, and they didn’t have an avenue toward improvement.
Meanwhile, he’s not solely responsible for the demise of the Nets, either. Kyrie Irving’s chronic unavailability wore on Harden, and rightfully so.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
Still, this trade request feels a little sudden. Harden has barely spent time on the Sixers. If his other requests were understandable, this one is a little puzzling by comparison. Should the Sixers honor it?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, that depends on what they’re getting in return. Morey won’t ship Harden off for matching contracts. That’s never been his style, and it won’t be now. With that said, would this deal be worth his while?
We think so. In fact, LaVine could be a better fit alongside Joel Embiid than Harden ever was. He’ll be more willing to function off of the ball when Embiid is operating on the low block.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
He’s also younger than Harden. Some may have concerns about his overlap with Tyrese Maxey, but we don’t share them. LaVine and Maxey are both capable enough playmakers to make this thing work.Should the Bulls send the Sixers LaVine?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Moreover, LaVine may be best suited for the role of second fiddle. After all, he hasn’t accomplished much as a first option in Chicago. As talented as he is, LaVine’s game is limited. He’s a capable playmaker, but not an elite one. This is a scorer first and foremost.
His ability to generate buckets hasn’t gotten the Bulls very far. This team may want to start over. Perhaps that’s why they’re prominent in the league’s rumor mill.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
This would be a good return for LaVine. Dyson Daniels is an exciting, versatile young player with star potential. Throw in two unprotected first-round picks, and this is enough for the Bulls to lean into a rebuild with. Should the Pelicans really part with Daniels?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been subject to their own rumors this summer. Most of them have revolved around Zion Williamson.
Fair enough. Williamson is one of the most talented players in the NBA, but he’s injury prone. With that in mind, people around the NBA have been eyeing a trade for him this summer.
Yet, the Pelicans held onto him at the draft. This organization knows that, when healthy, Williamson can perform at an MVP level. With that in mind, perhaps they still feel that it’s worth taking the risk of building around him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
If so, why not go all-in? Harden is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. If the Pelicans could enjoy some injury luck next season, this deal would give them a real chance at an NBA championship. If not? Don’t be surprised if Harden requests a trade – again.
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