James Harden. For NBA fans, the name itself inspires strong opinions. Inevitably, some of them will be more positive than others.
It’s been this way for a long time. Harden’s brand of iso-heavy, ball-dominant playmaking was never for everyone. Still, as the face of the Houston Rockets, you couldn’t deny Harden’s impact. His style led to a lot of wins, even if it never resulted in an NBA title.
Since leaving Houston, his career has been spiraling. Harden quickly demanded a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Now, he’s requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. At the moment, it’s being reported that the Sixers have stopped trade talks about their bearded superstar. Could they eventually send him to the Miami Heat?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Caleb Martin
Miami Heat Receive: G James Harden
Of course, Harden isn’t the only star guard to request a trade this summer. Everyone knows that Damian Lillard wants to leave the Portland Trail Blazers. Moreover, everyone knows that he wants to join the Miami Heat.
Yet, for all of the similarities in these situations, there’s a stark difference as well. This is Lillard’s first trade request. He’s loyally spent his entire career on the Blazers. By contrast, Harden has made an annual tradition of requesting trades.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Still, each man is presenting his team with a problem. Just as Lillard only wants to join the Heat, Harden has eyes for the Los Angeles Clippers. As a result, each man is depressing his own trade market. Could the Heat pass on Lillard and opt for Harden instead?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
One thing is certain: if the Heat trade for Lillard, they’ll have to give a lot more up than this. There are critical differences between Harden and Lillard. Harden’s propensity for requesting trades is one of them. Still, more importantly, Harden is on an expiring contract.
The Sixers won’t get market value for a player who could walk in one season: especially a player who’s as prone to walking as Harden. Therefore, this is a buy-low opportunity for the Heat. They need a point guard. Here, they’re getting one of the best in the NBA at a tremendous discount.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Make no mistake: Harden remains a star-caliber player. His ability to find teammates when open should give this Heat offense a nice boost. This is a team that’s fresh off of an NBA Finals trip adding an All-Star at a low cost: it’s a no-brainer for Miami. What about the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
If you’re a Sixers fan, we apologize. Not just for this article: although granted, you’re within your rights to be angry with us. More broadly, we’re sorry about the situation your team is currently in.
Again: the Sixers will not get market value for Harden. In fact, they likely won’t even come close. With that in mind, this is a fair return. It’s highlighted by Martin. He looked the part of a stellar 3-and-D wing in last year’s playoffs. Martin is a good rotation player that the Sixers could use.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
So is Lowry – albeit, in a more limited capacity. Lowry is aging. On the other hand, he’s also on an expiring contract. In a sense, the Sixers are flipping Harden for Caleb Martin here. That may not be ideal, but given the star guard’s reputation, it may be the best that the Sixers can do.
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