NBA superstar James Harden has requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Will he rescind that request? Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid both seem to hope so.
Recently, reports have suggested that Morey hopes to convince Harden to stay. Embiid has publicly stated his preference to team back up with Harden next season. Will their pleas fall on deaf ears? We don’t know. In the meantime, all we can do is entertain possibilities.
A lot of proposals will suggest the same old destinations. Will Harden be a Los Angeles Clipper? A Miami Heat? We don’t know. Here, we’ll look at some alternative possibilities. Here are three fresh James Harden trades.
Trade No. 1 — Milwaukee Bucks
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Jrue Holiday
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G James Harden
This will upset some Sixers fans. They may want to stop reading. After all, Harden is unlikely to bring in market value. He’s requested a trade, so he’s a depreciated asset. The Sixers won’t get an MVP-candidate haul for the aging point guard.
With that in mind, they should be able to get a star in return. This could work for both sides. The Bucks could use a player who’s more apt at creating in the halfcourt. Meanwhile, Holiday may be a better fit alongside Embiid than Harden is as a hybrid on-ball, off-ball player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
On the other hand, either side could decline. The Bucks have a strong defensive identity, and Holiday is a huge part of it. Meanwhile, the Sixers may not want to flip Harden for a single, lesser player. Could they opt to bolster their depth instead?
Trade No. 2 — Toronto Raptors
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F OG Anunoby, G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors Receive: G James Harden
There’s an added bonus in this deal. The Sixers’ head coach is already familiar with several of the players theyre bringing in. After all, Nick Nurse was the head coach of the Toronto Raptors just last season. If he’s interested in reuniting with Anunoby and Trent Jr., the Sixers may want to make that a reality for him.
Meanwhile, the Raptors just lost Fred VanVleet. They could be in the market for a new point guard. Harden is one of the Association’s best.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
He’s also one of its most polarizing. Harden is an elite distributor, but he does thrive with a high usage rate. If the Raptors would prefer to avoid that brand of basketball, the Sixers may want to turn elsewhere. Could they look to the Big Easy?
Trade No. 3 — New Orleans Pelicans
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G C.J. McCollum, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G James Harden
You may be wondering why the Pelicans are giving up picks where the Bucks didn’t have to. If so, you’re judging McCollum by his name, and not his production. After all, his production took a dip in 2022-23. Meanwhile, McCollum has never been a strong defender, whereas Holiday is one of the best in the NBA.
With that said, McCollum is still a productive player. In fact, he may be the best fit alongside Embiid of any guard named here. McCollum is an elite off-ball threat who can knock down triples off the catch or dribble with elite efficiency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans could still part with him. This team could use a distributor to generate easy looks for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. In fact, that trio could be one of the best offensive groups in the NBA. If this deal is available, the Pelicans should make it quickly: Otherwise, Harden may rescind his trade request.
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