The NBA’s preseason is officially underway. After months of waiting, we can finally watch our favorite teams in action. With that in mind, most teams would like to have their opening night roster solidified by now. Most teams do – but not all.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a major problem to resolve. Yes, we’re talking about James Harden. He’s still here. He doesn’t want to be. The Sixers are reportedly working hard to honor Harden’s trade request. By all accounts, he wants to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
Will the Sixers send him there? We just watched the Portland Trail Blazers send Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks – even though he preferred the Miami Heat. Yet, Lillard was on a long-term deal. Moreover, he doesn’t have the track record of issuing trade requests that Harden does. In all likelihood, he made a much more robust market. The Sixers may be forced to send Harden to the Clippers. If so, here’s the best return they could hope for in exchange for him.
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, G/F Terrance Mann, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G James Harden
Take another look at the title of this piece. We’re not saying the Sixers should expect this return for Harden. We’re saying it’s the best return they could hope for. To some NBA fans, we may sound crazy. Harden is a relatively recent MVP. This is it?
This is it. Context is everything in NBA trade negotiations. Meanwhile, this is the third trade that Harden has requested in as many seasons. He’d be viewed as a flight risk even if he wasn’t on an expiring contract. Yet, he is. If the Clippers trade for Harden, they’ll do so knowing that they have to negotiate a contract with him next summer – or else, they’re trading for a one-year rental.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
That’s the other catch here. Harden is still an outstanding player, but he is declining. In all likelihood, he’s seeking one more big NBA contract. Any general manager giving him a new max contract can assume that his deal will age poorly. Should the Clippers even give this much up for him?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
We think so. It’s too easy to criticize Harden – and to be sure, the criticism is deserved. Let’s talk about his strengths. Harden remains one of the best playmakers in basketball. Moreover, the former scoring champion can still get buckets. We witnessed him score 40 or more points on two separate occasions against the Boston Celtics in this year’s playoffs.
He feels like a perfect fit for this roster as well. The Clippers have Russell Westbrook. He still has some value as a playmaker in his own right, but Westbrook is a notoriously poor shooter. Harden is a much better fit alongside Ivica Zubac in pick-and-roll sets. If the Clippers can stay healthy, adding Harden gives them enough talent to make a title run. His presence would even allow them to rest one of Kawhi Leonard or Paul George on any given night if necessary.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, in a vacuum, this is still a buy-low price for Harden. Losing Mann stings, but he’s more of a strong supporting piece than a lead man. If the Clippers want to go all-in on a title run, they should make this deal. Should the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
What choice do the Sixers have? Harden wants to be a Clipper. On an expiring contract, his desire likely limits his market to one team and one tram only. Any other organization can count on Harden leaving after one season. Why would they give up real value for a rental?
Moreover, every other contending team has their point guard. The Sixers have their backs against a wall. Here, they’re at least getting some depth for Harden. If Tyrese Maxey takes a step forward and the Sixers benefit from a coaching change, they could still be a dangerous team next season. What if they regress?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Well, if they do, they may be dealing with a Joel Embiid trade request soon. In that event, they’ll be rebuilding – and happy to have landed an unprotected first-round pick and a swap. Just don’t be shocked if the Sixers kick off next year’s preseason with a very different roster.
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