The Philadelphia 76ers are in one of the most intriguing situations in the NBA. This team has plenty of eyes on them. James Harden has apparently requested a trade. What’s going to happen if the Sixers honor that request?
It could be chaotic. The Sixers could lose Joel Embiid. Plenty of folks are already speculating about that possibility. If Harden leaves, the Sixers won’t have the assets to replace him. If they’re in decline, Embiid could issue a trade request of his own.
We’re getting ahead of ourselves. For the time being, that’s all speculative. Joel Embiid is a Sixers. For that matter, so is James Harden. Could sending Tobias Harris to the Indiana Pacers benefit them no matter what happens?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, F/C Jalen Smith
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Tobias Harris
This isn’t James Harden’s first trade request. It isn’t his second trade request. It’s hard to believe, but this is Harden’s third trade request in three seasons.
For a long time, Harden was a Houston Rocket. Eventually, he grew tired of that situation. So, he forced his way to the Brooklyn Nets. That lasted for about a year. Eventually, Harden would force his way to the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Indiana Pacers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Is Harden toxic? We wouldn’t go that far. The Rockets were clearly on the decline, and Harden isn’t the first player to clash with Kyrie Irving. Still, this has become a pattern. Let’s assume that the Sixers move Harden this summer. Does this deal benefit them?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Yes. With that in mind, we need to view this deal through two lenses. Does it make sense if the Sixers are trading Harden? Does it make sense if they’re keeping him, too?
If they’re trading him, it’s a no-brainer. The Sixers are essentially flipping him for Jalen Smith. He’s still young enough to improve. That’s key for the Sixers. If they’re trading Harden, they should at least entertain the possibility that they’re going to be rebuilding.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Indiana Pacers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
On the other hand, let’s assume that they’re able to convince Harden to stay. This could still make sense. The Sixers are flipping one good player for two lesser ones. Still, Hield and Theis will both crack this rotation. The Sixers will be improving their depth. Should the Pacers give away some of theirs?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
One thing feels obvious: the Pacers want a 4. At this point, they’ve been linked to almost every forward under the sun. We’ve seen proposals that have them landing Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Harrison Barnes – and Harris himself.
Why not? The Pacers have a hole at that position. Meanwhile, this organization isn’t known to tank. The Pacers may have missed the playoffs last year, but they’ll be aiming to make them this season. Harris would help in that regard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Indiana Pacers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, he’s one of the best shootings 4s in the NBA. With Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner on the roster, this deal would give the Pacers elite spacing. Sure, they’re trading the best shooter in the deal, but positionally, getting some shooting at the 4 will improve the spacing. If the Pacers land Harris, they’ll be awfully intriguing next season – for the right reasons.
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