Daryl Morey says he won’t trade James Harden unless the Philadelphia 76ers receive a package that’s worthy of an NBA star. Right. We’ll see about that. Harden is a distressed asset. Identifying a team who would be interested in him with the assets to offer that type of return is a difficult task.
With that said, a three-team deal could work. The Sixers need a team that has a star to move and another team that wants Harden. If they’re willing to give up a first-round pick, they could find a way to make this work.
The Toronto Raptors may have a star to move. Rumors have widely suggested that they’re looking to trade Pascal Siakam. Could he end up on the Sixers this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F Robert Covington, G Bones Hyland, G Jaden Springer, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
This would be the defining trade of the NBA summer. It’s got all of the pieces. It finds Siakam a new home. He’s one of the most significant trade chips on the market. If he landed in Philly, it would make headlines.
By contrast, Harden landing elsewhere feels like smaller news. By now, he’s made a habit of requesting a trade in the offseason. It’s become as certain as death and taxes.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Should the Clippers be concerned about that? It’s fair to say that Harden is one of the least reliable star players in the NBA.Should they really invest in him?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Why not? At this point, what have the Clippers got to lose? This team sunk most of its assets into this core. So far, it’s been underwhelming. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George each struggle to stay healthy on an annual basis.
With that in mind, the Clippers won’t get market value for either. Sure, they could trade one or both, and take a loss. Is that the smartest move?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pacsal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
We don’t think so. The Clippers might as well push all in. They need a point guard. This deal has them landing one of the best floor generals in the NBA. Should the Sixers give him up?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, they almost have to. We’ve seen Harden report to training camp for a team he didn’t want to play for. It didn’t look good. In all likelihood, he’ll show up out of shape. Harden is going to force the issue. If a star becomes available for him, Morey has to accept the offer.
Is this a flawed partnership? Sure. The combined spacing between Embiid and Siakam is suboptimal. On the other hand, it’s not unacceptable, either.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Sixers would aim to bludgeon opponents with size. This could work. Even if it doesn’t, acquiring one of Embiid’s closest friends in the NBA should be an avenue toward keeping the MVP in Philadelphia. Should the Raptors part with his friend?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
If this deal is hard to justify for anyone, it’s the Raptors. They may be hoping for a better return than this for Siakam. So, if they get a better offer, they should take it. That much is obvious. Will they get a better offer?
It’s hard to say. The list of rumored suitors for Siakam doesn’t inspire confidence. Would the Indiana Pacers or the Orlando Magic really surrender a cache of first-round picks at this stage in their rebuild?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks are bereft of draft capital in their own right. Ultimately, this deal nets the Raptors a pair of intriguing young players, two first-round picks, and a swap. If that’s the best offer they get for Siakam, they ought to take it. Sometimes, the market determines the result – just don’t tell Daryl Morey that.
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