Another NBA offseason, another James Harden trade request. By now, this is commonplace. Harden hasn’t been able to settle down since leaving the Houston Rockets. By now, it’s apparent that he won’t settle down on the Philadelphia 76ers, either. Harden recently publicly called the team’s GM a “liar”.
With that said, this situation isn’t like the others. Harden isn’t on a long-term contract. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. That, coupled with his frequent trade requests, depreciate Harden’s value. The Sixers will not get market value for his services.
This creates a buy-low opportunity for rival teams. In theory, any team would be willing to take a chance on Harden at a certain price. With his price lower than ever, some unexpected suitors could come out of the woodwork. How about the Orlando Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, F Chuma Okeke
Orlando Magic Receive: G James Harden
In some ways, the last few years of Harden’s career encapsulate the modern NBA. This is the player empowerment era. Meanwhile, few players have made more use of their power than Harden.
At the same time, Harden’s intentions are unclear. He’s somewhat aloof. We don’t know what makes Harden tick. Is he chasing an NBA championship? If so, why wouldn’t he stick with the league’s reigning MVP in Joel Embiid? Why was Harden so frequently rumored to be reuniting with the Rockets?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
As a matter of fact, it’s been rumored that new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka put a stop to the Rockets’ pursuit of Harden. Is Harden’s aloof reputation catching up to him? It’s possible. Could the Magic take a risk on him anyway?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Some Magic fans will bristle at this suggestion. We understand. Harden is a risk, There are justifiable concerns about how he might influence this team’s young core.
Sure. Let’s talk about basketball for a second. The Magic have a glut of young point guards who can’t shoot. This team could use playmaking at that position, but they could also use a floor spacer who compliments Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner when they’ve got the ball. Harden fits the bill. The basketball fit here is nice.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
So, it might be a risk worth taking. Meanwhile, Orlando are giving up a minimal amount to land the former MVP. Isaac is constantly injured. Harris is a solid role player, but Orlando should be happy to part with him for Harden. Finally, Okeke might be the odd man out of this team’s rotation anyway. Should the Sixers give Harden up at this price?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers are in a bind here. They have to trade Harden this season. Otherwise, he’s going to walk in free agency for nothing. With rival teams knowing this, theyre going to have to accept a smaller loss for Harden as opposed to a larger one.
With that in mind, all hope isn’t lost here. The Sixers still have Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris. Adding a solid 3-and-D guard like Gary Harris to the mix only helps. With a new head coach in Nick Nurse, it’s possible that the Sixers can remain in contention without Harden.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
Finally, Isaac has to have some intrigue here. Yes, he’s frequently injured. It’s not clear whether he’ll be able to sustain an NBA career. With that said, when healthy, he’s looked like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. If he can get healthy, this could work out nicely for the Sixers. Otherwise, Harden’s trade request may hurt an NBA team – again.
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