NBA fans, it’s official: Damian Lillard will not be joining the Miami Heat. He is officially a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. This chapter of his career has finally come to a close. After months of speculation, we’ve got an answer.
Fans of the Philadelphia 76ers must be jealous. After all, they’ve got a toxic situation that’s still ongoing. James Harden has requested a trade. He won’t be as easy to move as Lillard was. Harden is on an expiring contract. Given how frequently he requests trades, he’s a significant flight risk. With that said, his depreciated trade value could make for a buy-low opportunity.
Who should be looking at Harden? Realistically, any team who needs a point guard. For all of his flaws, Harden remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Wait – didn’t the Miami Heat need a point guard? Why don’t they pursue Harden instead of Lillard?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Caleb Martin, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G James Harden
Sixers fans are angry. This is a paltry return for Harden. We understand that. At the same time, we’re trying to ground our ideas in reality. In all likelihood, Harden is not going to get the return that Sixers fans would hope for.
Why? Well, we touched on Harden’s risk factor. He seems to request a trade practically every summer. He’s a pending free agent. With that said, there are other factors impacting Harden’s value. Those factors are outside of the Sixers’ control.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Take a look around. The league’s trade market is resetting. Last summer, the Utah Jazz got four unprotected first-round picks for Rudy Gobert. Meanwhile, the Blazers got (in addition to Deandre Ayton and Jrue Holiday) an unprotected first and two swaps for Lillard. Teams are feeling less inclined to send out unprotected firsts, so why would they send out a bundle of them for a pending free agent? So, should the Sixers accept this return?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, the Sixers have to move Harden. That much is obvious. He’s a free agent next summer. Meanwhile, Harden just called the team’s general manager “a liar:. If the Sixers haven’t moved Harden by the trade deadline, they won’t get anything for him.
This is a lot more than nothing. Martin is an extremely useful rotation player. He’s a 3-and-D wing who can play multiple positions. Meanwhile, Lowry is still a rotation player, and more importantly, he’s on an expiring contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, landing even a pick swap for Harden would be a blessing for the Sixers. In the end, Philadelphia will likely have to lean on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey this year. Adding depth around them and a future asset is as good as the Sixers will likely do for Harden. Should the Heat even give that much up?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
We’ve said a lot about Harden here. He’s got a habit of requesting trades. His free agency looms. With all of that said – this is a no-brainer for Miami. If the Sixers are willing to make this move, they have got to do it.
Will they miss Martin? You bet. He was integral to Miami’s Finals run this summer. With that said, he is no James Harden. Moreover, let’s be honest – doesn’t Miami’s Finals run feel like an aberration? This team had to win the play-in tournament to make it into the playoffs. The Heat do not feel geared up for another deep playoff run.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
If they added Harden, that would be a different story. If the Heat missed Martin too badly, they could consider trading Tyler Herro for another 3-and-D wing – after all, he was absent for their Finals run last season. Ultimately, this is about adding one of the league’s best playmakers to a team that made the NBA Finals. If everything works out, Miami may not mind missing out on Lillard.
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