One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in a massive blockbuster trade. Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Sixers:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Lakers could start Harden, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire Harden, who was born and raised in LA and has requested a trade from the Sixers. The Beard wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Harden can’t control where he goes.
The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after the talented guard picked 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. Harden is upset at Sixers president Daryl Morey since he wasn’t traded after requesting his trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Morey, leery of making a trade involving Harden that diminishes Philadelphia’s chances at contention next season, is faced with the dilemma of acquiescing to Harden’s demand and keeping Joel Embiid part of a contending team next season. Morey is running the risk of an unhappy Harden creating something less than a championship-driven environment.
Harden was fined $100,000 by the NBA for calling Morey “a liar” during his Adidas tour in China. The NBA launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Harden’s public admonishment of Morey. As part of the investigation, Harden told NBA investigators he called Morey “a liar” because he wasn’t traded “quickly” after opting into his player option for the 2023-24 season, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
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. Philadelphia lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2023 playoffs in seven games, while the Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Sources told NBA Analysis Network that Harden doesn’t plan to report to training camp if he’s still on the Sixers. The future Hall of Famer never wants to play for a team Morey is associated with.
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