This summer, the NBA’s headlines have been dominated by a few teams. For the most part, they wish people would stop talking about them. The teams making the news are typically there because they’re in disarray.
Few teams are as frazzled as the Philadelphia 76ers recently. James Harden has requested a trade. He seems adamant in his stance. Recently, it’s been reported that Harden won’t even report for training camp. This situation has been ugly, and it only stands to get uglier.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are in a similar standoff. Lillard has requested a trade. This impacts the Blazers’ plans. In all likelihood, they wouldn’t have extended Jerami Grant this summer if they knew they’d be losing Lillard. Could they send him to the Sixers?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Tobias Harris, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Jerami Grant, G/F Matisse Thybulle
With that said, there are only a few ways that teams can make headlines. They either acquire players or they’re at risk of losing them. Generally, the NBA media doesn’t like talking about stable teams.
Where are the Denver Nuggets? In all likelihood, they’re preparing to defend their NBA championship. The Nuggets made some headlines when they lost Bruce Brown in free agency. Otherwise, it’s been silence on their front. In all likelihood, that’s exactly how the Nuggets want it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Still, every team in the NBA can’t be the Nuggets. That’s exactly what’s leading these two franchises to fall apart. When a team tries to contend and falls short, it often results in sweeping changes. Is this the right change for the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
There’s a striking difference between these two teams as well. The Blazers are losing their best player – that means that they ought to rebuild. By contrast, the Sixers are losing their second-best player. If Tyrese Maxey takes a step forward this year, Harden could be a third banana on this roster.
With that in mind, upgrading their roster makes sense no matter what happens next. If the Sixers are forced to move Harden, they’ll be hoping that with a new head coach and a leap from Maxey, they can stay competitive. In that event, they could contend even without Harden. Meanwhile, if Harden has a change of heart, the Sixers could be lethal after making this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
It’s an upgrade. Grant and Harris are roughly equal – Grant may be the better defender, but Harris is the more reliable floor spacer – but reuniting with Thybulle would enhance the Sixers’ wing depth. This deal makes them a deeper and better team, no matter how the Harden situation resolves. What does it do for the Blazers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Sixers may be clinging to title contention. The Blazers haven’t been contenders in several years. This team needs to rebuild. Do not be surprised if they move Grant before this year’s trade deadline.
What should they be looking for? Cap relief and draft capital. This deal provides both. Grant is on a long-term contract, whereas Harris is on an expiring deal. He’ll improve their financial flexibility as soon as next summer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Finally, this pick swap has value too. It may not be an unprotected first, but this Blazers team doesn’t like to rebuild for long. If the Blazers are contending by 2029 and the Sixers are in the lottery, who knows? These teams could be back in the headlines – for different reasons.
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