In the wake of James Harden requesting a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire the superstar guard from the Sixers.
Ari Schwartz of HoopsHabit proposed that the Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and a 2029 top-five protected first-round pick to the Sixers for Harden.
“While he’s not the player he used to be, Harden is still very productive, finishing last season as the league’s assist-per-game leader,” Schwartz wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “He would provide the Lakers with much-needed help as a floor general. It would be pretty easy for Los Angeles to outbid other potential suitors with some interesting but expendable assets on their hands.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Lakers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Sixers remain resistant to trading Harden unless the deal maintains or enhances their ability to win a championship. Harden has demanded a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but Philadelphia doesn’t have to honor the trade request since Harden doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after he agreed to pick up his $35.6 million player option for next season in June. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden was steep and no teams were willing or able to meet it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Lakers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Lakers could start Harden, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt and Anthony Davis if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire Harden, who was born and raised in LA. The purple and gold got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals.
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