In the NBA, a star player can give a team problems. Yet, teams pursue them anyway. How could they not? Sure, stars can complicate matters. Still, you won’t win NBA titles without them.
The league’s general managers are in the talent business. They need elite players – at any cost. With that said, James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers has proven awfully costly to his teams in recent years.
Harden has recently requested a trade – again. This time, he’s intent on joining the Los Angeles Clippers. This, along with his seemingly annual trade requests, has put his trade value in the gutter. Could the San Antonio Spurs exploit a buy-low opportunity?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G/F Reggie Bullock, G Devonte’ Graham, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G James Harden
Of course, Harden should feel right at home in Texas. He spent the most meaningful seasons of his career there. For a long time, Harden was the star of the Houston Rockets – and for a long time, he didn’t cause them any grief.
Harden was the sun that the Rockets revolved around. They built their roster and team culture around him. For a long time, it was working. Until it wasn’t. When the Rockets started to regress, Harden demanded a trade. Fair enough.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia. 76ers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
What’s been problematic is his tendency to demand trades ever since. Harden forced his way off of the Brooklyn Nets, and now, he’s forcing his way off of the Sixers. Should the Spurs really take a risk on him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
This isn’t complicated on the Spurs’ end. They’re trading for an NBA superstar at a cost that would normally net them a quality role player.
In other words, they’re capitalizing on the Sixers’ misfortune. They’re also looking to ease Victor Wembanyama into the NBA. That’s as critical as anything else here. Harden may have his flaws, but he remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia. 76ers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Wouldn’t Wembanyama benefit from playing alongside a player with Harden’s floor vision? He’ll get Wembanyama easy looks in the pick and roll. He’ll find him in transition. The Spurs need a point guard, and Harden is one of the best in the NBA. Should the Sixers give him up?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
So, Harden has demanded a trade. He wants to go to the Los Angeles Clippers. This leaves the Sixers with two choices – they can trade him to the Clippers, or seek out a suitor who’s willing to take a risk by acquiring him anyway.
Thus, Harden’s value will be depressed. Think about it: why would the Clippers offer a monster package when they know they’re not competing with anyone? Why would the Spurs make a Godfather offer knowing that Harden may leave them after one season?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia. 76ers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In other words, this is better than nothing. That’s all the Sixers can do. Besides, they’ll still have Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Following this deal, they’ll surround their two stars with an extremely deep roster – provided that neither gives them any more problems.
