One NBA writer is proposing that the Orlando Magic acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in a bold blockbuster deal. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers and Magic:
Orlando Magic receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Cole Anthony and a 2025 first-round pick (top-five-protected, via DEN)
“It feels like Philly is doing what it can to drive up Harden’s market, but there hasn’t been much action beyond the L.A. talks,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “That could leave the door open for a team like Orlando—perhaps coveting a star to get a better gauge of how good its young core can be—to field a legitimate (not overwhelming) offer and see if Philadelphia would bite.
“The Magic aren’t in position to pay a fortune for someone like Harden, but a depth hit like this could be justifiable. They didn’t make anything easy on young cornerstones Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner last season, as they were a bottom-third team by three-pointers made (10.8 per game, 25th), three-point percentage (34.6, 24th) and average assists (23.2, 26th).”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden Updates
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Philadelphia and Los Angeles haven’t made any progress on a deal. The Sixers can trade Harden anywhere since the 10-time NBA All-Star doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
In 58 games last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. The former MVP led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
The Magic could start Harden, Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. if Orlando’s front office figured out a way to acquire Harden from Philadelphia.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden Updates
One of the best players in NBA history, Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
