Recently, the NBA world has cooled on James Harden rumors. He was the talk of the town for some of the summer. Recently, he’s been eclipsed by Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Rumors around him have been heating up, and rumors about Harden are cooling down.
That makes sense. Lillard has been a Blazer for his entire career. This is the first trade that he’s ever requested. By contrast, Harden requests trades like they’re going out of style. News of his request didn’t shock NBA fans. It still must have upset the Sixers. After all, getting market value for Harden is not going to be easy.
Why? Well, Harden requests trades like they’re going out of style. He’s also on an expiring contract. Any team that takes Harden on knows that they’re taking a risk. Could the New Orleans Pelicans be the team to take that risk?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G CJ McCollum
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G James Harden
With that said, perhaps Harden has been unfairly treated. He hasn’t spent his whole career jumping between teams. Harden gave his all to the Houston Rockets. For a while, it looked like it might pay off, too.
After all, the Rockets were perennial contenders under Harden. In 2018, the Rockets had an especially realistic shot of winning an NBA title. If Chris Paul hadn’t torn his hamstring, we may not be writing this article. It’s entirely possible that Harden would still be in Space City.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
That’s revisionist history. Here’s an indisputable fact: Harden is one of the best offensive players that the sport has ever seen. For all of his flaws, he deserves that credit. Should the Sixers really flip him for McCollum?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
There’s an aspect of this deal that’s got nothing to do with basketball. Harden recently called the Sixers general manager “a liar” in public. This situation has grown toxic. The Sixers may want to trade Harden on those grounds alone. After all, he’s on an expiring contract.
In other words, Harden could leave the Sixers for nothing next summer. That would be a disaster – it wouldn’t be a surprise if a trade request from Joel Embiid followed. So, if the Sixers can get a good return for Harden, they should. That’s exactly what they’re doing here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In fact, this deal could even make the Sixers better. It’s fair to say that McCollum is a more willing off-ball player than Harden – he may complement Embiid more easily. Meanwhile, McCollum is still a solid playmaker who can work with Tyrese Maxey. Should the Pelicans give up such a useful player?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Give Harden this: he’s a better offensive player than McCollum. He may not be the same player who was making NBA history with gaudy stats as a Rocket, but that still holds true. Harden is one of the best playmakers in NBA history.
That ought to suit Zion Williamson especially well. Harden should be able to set him up for easy baskets on a routine basis. If this duo can establish the right chemistry, the Pelicans could be a much better team next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If they can’t? Harden is on an expiring contract. By contrast, McCollum is on a long-term deal. Even if this is a mere cost-cutting measure for the Pelicans, they could find a way to benefit. On the other hand, if it does work out, expect Harden’s name to heat back up around NBA circles.
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