Compromise is a part of life. We don’t have to like it, but sometimes, we can’t get exactly what we want. We may have to settle for less. Sometimes, NBA teams have to do the same.
Take the Miami Heat. This team wants Damian Lillard, and everyone knows it. To be sure, he’d be a perfect fit on this roster. The Heat just advanced to the NBA Finals, and Lillard could get them over the hump. That doesn’t mean they can land him. Miami doesn’t necessarily have the best available package for Lillard.
Could Miami settle for less? For what it’s worth, there’s another star point guard on the trade market – and his price ought to be a lot lower. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers is looking to find a new home as soon as possible. Could the Heat provide him with that new home?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, F Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G James Harden
You might be asking yourself some questions. Why would Lillard’s trade value be so much higher than Harden’s? If this is all it takes to land Harden, shouldn’t Miami be easily able to offer more to land Lillard? Has Lillard really eclipsed Harden to this extent?
Well, this isn’t strictly about basketball. Yes, Lillard has requested a trade. This is the first time he’s done so in his career. Lillard has shown an ability to commit to his team, and he’s on a long-term contract. Any team acquiring him could feel secure in the fact that they were landing a star player who would stay on their roster for the foreseeable future.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Harden? This is his third trade request in three seasons. He’s also set to hit free agency next summer. By now, Harden is a significant flight risk – and that makes him a distressed asset. The Sixers won’t get market value for their star guard. Should they accept this package?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
We feel for you, Sixers fans. We really do. This deal doesn’t look good on paper. Frankly, it isn’t good. The unfortunate reality is that the Sixers are not going to get a good deal for Harden.
Sure, people said the same thing about Ben Simmons. This is not the same situation. Simmons was on a long-term contract. General manager Daryl Morey can’t afford to play chicken with Harden. If he hasn’t moved him by this year’s trade deadline, he’s not going to get anything for him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
With that in mind, this is much better than nothing. The package is highlighted by Martin. He broke out in this year’s playoffs as a solid 3-and-D wing with a touch of shot creation. Meanwhile, Lowry is on an expiring contract, so the Sixers don’t take on any undue financial hardship here. Throw in a lottery protected first, and this should be enough for the Sixers. Should Miami even give up this much for Harden?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
We’ve dragged Harden enough in this piece. Let’s talk about his positives. Harden may not be a perennial MVP candidate anymore, but he’s still one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Heat need a point guard who thrives when making plays for others.
That point guard should be able to space the floor. After all, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will both be responsible for making plays as well. Harden fits the bill. This is a perfect fit if we’re strictly talking about basketball. Is it the right cultural fit?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Frankly, it probably isn’t. It’s still a deal worth making for Miami. They’re adding a star-caliber player at a tremendous discount here. Harden may not be Damian Lillard, but as far as compromises go, this is a good one.
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