It’s rumour season in the NBA. Some rumors are fresh, and others are getting stale. Still,. they persist. At this point in the offseason, we’ve got little to go on besides rumors.
The rumors surrounding James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers have grown old. In some respects, they’ve been old from the moment they surfaced. Harden has requested a trade – big deal. This is an NBA offseason. Would it be official if James Harden didn’t request a trade?
By contrast, the rumors surrounding Brandon Ingram are fresh. Apparently, he and the New Orleans Pelicans are not currently working toward a contract extension. That doesn’t mean that Ingram’s days in New Orleans are numbered, but it’s enough cause for speculation. Could the Pelicans send him to the Sixers?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G James Harden, F Tobias Harris, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Brandon Ingram, G CJ McCollum, G Kira Lewis Jr.
Soon enough, rumor season will be over. The NBA season is rapidly approaching. At the moment, we’ve got nothing to do but speculate. As the season gets underway, we’ll start to get some clarity on a lot of topics.
Is Harden guaranteed to get moved? We wouldn’t say that. We’ve seen Daryl Morey stubbornly refuse to move players before. If the season gets underway, and Harden is still a Sixers, will he suit up? Suppose he does. Now, suppose the Sixers are playing well. Could he change his mind on his trade request?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
What about the Pelicans? There’s a sense of pessimism around this team. Zion Williamson’s injury history is troubling. What if he stays healthy? If the Pelicans are having a strong season, could Ingram sign an extension? Should the Pelicans really move him before they get the opportunity to find out?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
This is a bold move for the Pelicans. They may want to pass on it. We would understand. On the other hand, there are a lot of benefits here. Let’s not forget who James Harden is as a basketball player.
Specifically, he’s one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Harden may have developed a habit of making trade requests. Still, when he’s on the floor, he leverages his elite floor vision to make plays for himself and others on a regular basis. He’d be a perfect fit alongside Williamson as well. Harden’s look-ahead passing would compliment Williamson nicely in transition.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, Harris replaces Ingram’s blend of height and floor spacing. He’s not as gifted of an offensive player, but he’s still capable of creating shots. If everything clicks here, it could actually make the Pelicans a better team – and they’re picking up some draft capital. Should the Sixers help them make those strides?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Harden may be talented, but his constant trade requests matter. At this point, his trade value has hit a new low. If the Sixers are going to get value for him, they’ll have to attach draft capital – and, in all likelihood, find a team with their own sense of desperation.
That’s exactly what’s happening here. If the Pelicans and Ingram can’t agree on an extension, the organization will have to look to move the young wing. The Sixers should make overtures. This deal could make them a better team too. A healthy Ingram is among the most dynamic shot creating wings in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Is there risk here? You bet. The Sixers would have less control of their own draft than any team in the NBA if they made this deal. They’d be squarely in championship or bust mode. At the same time, a core of Ingram, McCollum, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid could be capable of winning an NBA title. In the meantime, all we can do is keep our eye on the rumor mill.
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