Around the NBA, teams are rounding out their rosters. For a while, a lot was hanging in the balance. By now, most situations are resolved. The Philadelphia 76ers are a glaring exception.
This team needs to deal with its James Harden situation. Harden has requested a trade. By all accounts, he’s not going to change his mind. The bearded superstar didn’t even report for the team’s media day. The Sixers have to act on this – and quickly. If they haven’t moved Harden by the deadline, they’re going to lose him in free agency next summer.
That’s exactly why his trade value isn’t likely to be as high as the Sixers would like. Harden is a pending free agent and a significant flight risk. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be shocking if some team decided to capitalize on a buy-low opportunity. Could that team be the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Lonzo Ball, G Coby White, G Jevon Carter, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G James Harden
In all likelihood, Harden is the last major domino to fall in the NBA offseason. The season is about to start, and most rosters are set in stone. As the season unfolds, we’ll see more changes take place.
Could the Sixers be in line to make more significant changes? We’ll see. It’s been speculated that Harden could ultimately be the domino that knocks over an even bigger domino. Some have said that if the Sixers regress after a Harden trade, a Joel Embiid trade request could follow. It’ll shake up the NBA more than any move we saw this summer if it does.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
After all, Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP. Teams would give up an incredible return for him. With that in mind, the Sixers must be focused on keeping their big man happy if possible. Does this deal accomplish that goal?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Largely, this is a gamble for the Sixers. We know that Lonzo Ball will not play in 2023-24. He’s rehabilitating an injury. Could he play in 2024-25?
If so, this deal could change the Sixers’ fortunes. When healthy, Ball is a unique NBA player. He’s one of the best 3-and-D guards in the NBA but also a strong secondary playmaker. Ball isn’t an elite half-court creator, but he can do everything else on a basketball floor. A healthy Ball could keep this team in title contention – and Joel Embiid happy.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
Otherwise, Carter is a sensible addition to this squad. He’s a solid 3-and-D guard in his own right. Moreover, taking a flyer on a still-young White makes sense too. Given where Harden’s trade value likely is currently, this is a fine return for the Sixers. Should the Bulls make this offer?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls do this deal because James Harden is the best player in this deal – by a long shot. With that said, they can’t do it tomorrow. White and Carter would both be subject to trade restrictions. That’s fine. The Bulls shouldn’t do this deal tomorrow anyway.
They should do it if they exceed expectations before the trade deadline. Many fans have called for the Bulls to rebuild – a reasonable request. This team had a disappointing 2022-23 season. That said, there’s still a lot of veteran talent on this roster. The Bulls may bounce back in 2023-24.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Chicago Bulls Updates
If they do, they’ll still need a point guard. Harden is one of the best in the NBA and ordinarily wouldn’t be available at this price. If the Sixers haven’t found a better offer, and the Bulls are in win-now mode, they should be happy to help wrap up the last storyline of this offseason.
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