When a star NBA player requests a trade, they usually provide their team with a list of teams they’re interested in joining. Fair enough. Why shouldn’t a star player have some say in where they land? With that said, when that list only has one team on it, matters get a little bit complicated.
It’s been a trend this summer. Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers wants to go to the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers is only interested in joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
Perhaps he will. On the other hand, the Clippers don’t have much to offer the Sixers. It’s possible that Philadelphia will end up sending Harden to another team. Here are three dark horse candidates.
Toronto Raptors
Of course, some stars have already changed teams this summer. We’re talking about the league’s premier free agents. Fred VanVleet was perhaps the biggest name on the market. He left the Toronto Raptors. Now, he’ll be a member of the Houston Rockets.
So, the Raptors need a point guard. Sure, the team acquired Dennis Schroeder. He’s not exactly a VanVleet replacement.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Harden could be – if the Raptors wanted him, that is. On the other hand, if this team is interested in rebuilding, they won’t be interested in Harden. In that event, the Raptors could be looking for their point guard of the future. Is there a more definitive win-now team who could use Harden?
Boston Celtics
Something about James Harden in a Boston Celtics jersey feels strange. Perhaps it’s just the historic quality of the Celtics. Long ago, Shaquille O’Neal looked strange in a Celtics jersey too. Who cares?
After all, the Celtics are a contender. They could use a point guard. This team has struggled due to a lack of ball handling in the playoffs in recent years. Harden is one of the best ball-handlers in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
On the other hand, the Celtics do run a motion offense. Harden typically thrives as the focal point of a team’s attack. On the other hand, few contenders are likely to give him that role. The Celtics may not have faith in Harden to adapt to their roster. Would another contender?
Phoenix Suns
We know, we know. This is crazy, right? It couldn’t possibly happen? Well, it isn’t likely. The Phoenix Suns already have Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on their roster. Do they really need another ball-handling guard? Do they have the cap space or the trade assets to land Harden?
The answer to that first question is less clear. Let’s look at the second one. Harden is a distressed asset. With his limited trade value, he may be a feasible target for the Suns.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Phoenix Suns Updates
If they’re willing to give up Deandre Ayton for him, that is. The Sixers won’t want him – barring a Joel Embiid trade request, that is. Still, if the Suns could arrange a three-team deal, who knows? They could convince Harden to expand his list of preferred destinations.
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