An NBA trade request can throw a wrench in a team’s plans. When a key player wants to leave their team, it changes the team’s outlook. Recently, the Philadelphia 76ers have learned that lesson. James Harden has requested a trade.
It’s a problematic situation. Harden has made a habit of requesting trades at this point in his NBA career. He’s also a free agent next summer. As such a tremendous flight risk, Harden’s trade value has taken a hit. The Sixers are unlikely to land the type of return that one would expect from a superstar.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers also prefers to be traded. By all accounts, the player and organization are working towards a mutual parting of ways. Could the Pacers package him in a trade for Harden?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G TJ McConnell, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G James Harden
Trade requests may hurt teams. For some of us, they’re fun. Trade requests fuel widespread speculation. They’re fun for fans, and they’re fun for NBA writers as well.
After all, the league’s hype machine does not shut down. Discussion about potential roster moves is held for 365 days in every given calendar year. Yet, requests give those discussions a little more substance. They allow us to talk about potential moves that could actually happen.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Is this move realistic? That will be in the eye of the beholder. Pacers fans will question the logic of pairing Harden with Tyrese Haliburton. Sixers fans will be offended by a paltry return for a recent NBA. They say that a good negotiation leaves both parties dissatisfied. Is this a good compromise for the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
We know. You don’t like it. Don’t blame us – blame James Harden. At this point, he’s tanked his own value. Frankly, the Sixers would be likely to get anything in return for him.
With that context in mind, this is not bad. The Sixers are adding to their depth here – all three of these players will be in their rotation. Clearly, the package is highlighted by Hield. He’s one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. In fact, Hield is one of the best shooters in the league, period. This is a player who should complement any team with star players on it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, this Sixers team would still have star power. Joel Embiid is fresh off of an MVP performance. Tyrse Maxey is already a star and could take a step forward this summer. With Hield and some depth in the rotation, the Sixers could still contend for a title even after being forced to move Harden below market value. Should the Pacers have any interest in Harden?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
We know. Haliburton and Harden. What’s the logic here? Won’t Harden take the ball out of the dynamic young guard’s hands? Sure – to an extent. IS there a rule against having two ball handlers on the same team? Did we miss a memo?
After all, both of these guys can shoot – in fact, Haliburton is an elite shooter. He can co-exist with Harden. Adding the Beared superstar would give the Pacers a more dynamic offense. Haliburton and Harden can share playmaking duties. That sounds like a difficult team to guard to us.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Moreover, the Pacers have to trade Hield. He’s a free agent this summer as well. If Harden walks after one season, the Sixers traded a player who was going to walk anyway and two reserves to take a swing on buying low on a star. That’s a gamble worth taking. If the Pacers are successful enough, it could help them avoid a trade request from Haliburton down the line.
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