The Miami Heat had their opportunity to trade for Damian Lillard before the blockbuster NBA trade occurred that sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Eastern Conference got significantly better, and with the recent trade that landed Jrue Holiday in Boston, it seems like it is a two-team race. However, could the Heat respond by trading for James Harden?
One writer for FanSided suggested that Miami get in the race for ten-time All-Star Harden. The scenario suggests that the Heat give up Tyler Herro, Jaime Jacquez Jr., Duncan Robinson, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for Harden and P.J. Tucker from Philadelphia.
The 76ers in the trade get some young and proven scorers. Before getting injured last season, Herro averaged 20 points a game. Robinson is a career 40% shooter from the three and shot 44% for the Heat in the playoffs last season.
Although Jacquez Jr. is not proven, he has shown glimpses of his skill level in the off-season workouts. The picks allow Philadelphia to have some leverage in the future if they cannot re-sign Joel Embiid.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updatse
On the other hand, Miami gets the guard play they were looking for. Harden averaged 10.7 assists a game last season for the 76ers. He can still score at a high volume, averaging 21.0 points per game. Despite being past his prime, it is an opportunity for Miami to be remotely competitive.
Harden is also in his last year of an expiring contract and would not be a long-term problem if it doesn’t work out. The addition of Tucker to the Heat reunites him with the team that went to the Conference Finals in 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updatse
The scenario does not work well for the Heat, though, if they don’t make the Conference finals. That will be difficult to do, given the apparent two-team race with the Bucks and Celtics.
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