The Philadelphia 76ers might be in some trouble ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. It’s hard to see their situation in a positive light. James Harden has requested a trade. By all accounts, he’s not going to change his mind.
Could Joel Embiid follow? At this point, that’s speculative. Still, it’s not hard to imagine. If the Sixers are a sinking ship, he may look to get off of it.
This is a mess. Can it be cleaned up? Could the Sixers make one bold trade in a bid to fix their team? What about this one that lands them DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Tobias Harris, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, G Alex Caruso
In some respects, it’s hard to believe Harden wants to leave the Sixers. We never thought he’d leave Daryl Morey. These two have been thicker than thieves.
For a long time, Morey was the General Manager of the Houston Rockets. Harden was their star player. Morey gave Harden everything he wanted – and them some.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
Eventually, the Rockets fell apart. Harden demanded a trade, and Morey left for the Sixers. In time, he’d do everything in his power to get Harden to the Sixers with him anyway. He was successful. Now, a mere season and a half later, it might be over. Could this convince Harden to stay?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
It could. It’s worth noting that DeRozan and Harden have a close relationship. If this deal keeps Harden in Philly, it’s an automatic win. A team with Harden, DeRozan, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey on it might be the most talented in the NBA. The Sixers would be a superteam.
Alternatively, let’s say this isn’t enough for Harden. It’s possible that he’ll decide he wants a trade anyway. This deal still makes the Sixers better.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
That’s before considering the return they’ll get for Harden. If they were to flip him for several high-quality role players, this would be the deepest team Morey has put around Embiid. Meanwhile, DeRozan can make up some of Harden’s playmaking. Should the Bulls really move such a useful player?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
DeRozan may be a good compliment to Embiid. He doesn’t seem to be one to Zach LaVine. Alternatively, perhaps the Bulls just don’t have enough firepower. Either way, one thing is clear: this team was wildly disappointing in 2022-23.
Perhaps they need a fresh start. If so, this should be the deal for them. For starters, Harris is on an expiring contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
More importantly, they’re receiving two first-round pick swaps and one unprotected first. The picks are distant, which makes them better assets. The Sixers are built to win now: who knows where they’ll be by 2028? If the Bulls are lucky, they’ll be in trouble again.
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