Damian Lillard and James Harden. If you’re an NBA fan, it’s been hard to talk about anybody else this summer. This pair’s trade requests have dominated the discourse. With that said, at least one of those requests was finally resolved. Lillard is officially a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
That’s not where he was supposed to land. Lillard was widely expected to find his way to the Miami Heat. All summer, we’d heard that he’d only show up for the Heat’s training camp. Right. Lillard looks pretty happy to be joining Giannis Antetokoumnpo on the Bucks. As it turns out, he was always likely to play for whichever team landed him.
Similarly, Harden is too. He seems to prefer joining the Los Angeles Clippers. Yet, Harden has even less leverage than Lillard did in determining his landing spot. With an expiring contract, he can’t even make a believable long-term commitment to a team. So, if someone outbids the Clippers, Harden will land elsewhere. Could the Heat be the team to outbid them?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G James Harden
In some ways, we may be seeing the league’s landscape shift. For a long time, NBA fans worried about player empowerment. Where would it end? How are teams supposed to build a roster when players can leave on a whim – and join whichever team they choose? How will we sustain a competitive market?
As it turns out, those concerns may have been overblown. It seemed as if Lillard was trying to squash his own market. He wanted to join the Heat but wouldn’t join anybody else. Now, he’s joining the Bucks. Perhaps there are limits to a star player’s empowerment after all.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
What was Lillard going to do? Retire? Sure, he could have requested another trade. Eventually, that can hurt a player’s career, too. Look at Harden. As talented as he is, the market for his services seems to have dried up. It will be interesting to see what happens when he hits free agency next season. Should the Heat target him despite those concerns?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Yes. Let’s be honest: the Heat need a point guard. Kyle Lowry has had an illustrious career, but it’s coming to a close. At this stage, he’s a solid reserve. Miami needs an upgrade if they hope to return to the NBA Finals.
Harden would be a tremendous upgrade. Sure, he’s slightly out of his prime. He remains one of the best playmakers in the entire league. Harden’s ability to set up teammates is elite, and he can still create his own shot as well. This would be a tremendous addition to Miami’s roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
If Harden leaves after a year? The Heat forked over an unprotected first for a rental. When that rental is James Harden, that’s not so bad. Meanwhile, they may even be pleased to move off of Duncan Robinson’s deal. Should the Sixers absorb it?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
It would be too easy to say the Sixers shouldn’t do this deal. They aren’t getting a good return for Harden, so they should hang onto him, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. The Sixers have to move Harden before this year’s deadline. Otherwise, they aren’t going to get anything for him.
This is…something? It won’t win Daryl Morey an Executive of the Year award. It’s too late for that. Still, Lowry and Robinson could be useful players in this team’s rotation next year. Robinson’s contract may be suboptimal but is not a major concern. He’s still one of the best shooters in the NBA, even if he’s marginally overpaid.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Most importantly, the Sixers are netting an unprotected first-round pick here. That’s as much as they can hope for in exchange for Harden. By now, they need to bring this situation to a conclusion. If nothing else, fans can finally stop talking about them.
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