When an NBA player requests a trade, it’s common for them to provide their team with a list of teams they’d be willing to play for. That makes sense. When a player requests a trade, they’re looking for a new situation. It follows that they’d like some say in what that situation looks like.
On the other hand, the length of that list matters to the team. Suppose it’s only got one team on it. Suddenly, trade options become limited. Why would a team trade for a player if they’re not on their list? The player will leave.
That’s the bind that James Harden has put the Philadelphia 76ers in. He only wants to join the Los Angeles Clippers. With that said, if a team was brave enough, they could trade for him anyway. Could the Indiana Pacers be that brave?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, G TJ McConnell, F/C Daniel Theis, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G James Harden
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sometimes, NBA teams need to take risks. Sometimes, that means trading for a player who may not want to join your team. This won’t always work out, but it can. Just ask the Toronto Raptors.
When Kawhi Leonard demanded a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, nobody expected him to land on the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors acquired him while his desire to play in Los Angeles was common knowledge. He eventually left for his hometown anyway – but not before leading Toronto to a title.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
OF course, this situation is different. Leonard didn’t provide the Spurs with a list of one team he’d be willing to join. The Pacers would be taking a bigger risk by acquiring Harden. Is it worth it?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
It’s debatable. Some Pacers fans will recoil at this suggestion. Fair enough. They want the ball in the hands of Tyrese Haliburton. The young point guard has established himself as a future star.
On the other hand, Haliburton is an elite off-ball weapon as well. He can co-exist with Harden. In fact, the pair would make for one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
If Harden leaves? The Pacers took a shot. He’s a distressed asset, so they’re paying far less than they typically would for a star player here. Should the Sixers even accept this price?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Ideally, they won’t. Time will tell how this situation unfolds. After all, Harden is on an expiring deal. If the Clippers don’t want him, the Sixers start running out of options. They may have to move him for whatever they can find.
Sure, they could sit him until the deadline. What then? If they haven’t moved Harden yet, he’ll walk next summer. This situation has an expiration date. With that in mind, the Sixers could do worse than this.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Adding an elite shooter like Field could bolster the duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Throw in a pair of decent reserves and a protected first, and who knows? The Sixers may add the Pacers to their list of Harden suitors – whether Harden likes it or not.
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