Apparently, James Harden has reported for practice with the Philadelphia 76ers. This is progress. For a while, NBA fans wondered if he’d ever join the organization again. Does this mean that Harden is ready to commit to the team?
We wouldn’t go that far. We’ve seen this before. Harden requested a trade from the Houston Rockets during the offseason. The organization didn’t make a deal in time, and he eventually showed up for training camp. He even played some games in the team’s uniform – but they didn’t exactly go well. Harden had quit on the team, and he showed it on the floor.
This situation is far from resolved. In time, we should assume that the Sixers will still be forced to trade Harden. In all likelihood, they’re just looking for the right deal. Could they make a three-team trade that sends Harden to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Mike Conley, F Doug McDermott, 2024 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIN), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIN)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G James Harden
In fact, it’s been a summer full of trade requests in the NBA. Most of them have been officially fulfilled. Damian Lillard is a Milwaukee Buck. This was the most prominently discussed situation of the offseason. Now, the Sixers need to conclude the Harden saga.
What happens then? In all likelihood, the league will stabilize – for now. Eventually, a new influx of trade requests will come. One of them could come from the Sixers’ Joel Embiid. Plenty have speculated that if Harden leaves, Embiid will follow. Of course, Embiid isn’t the only superstar who could eventually be looking for a new home.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The situation between Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves is worth monitoring as well. Towns has been on the Wolves for years, but they haven’t had much to show for it. If they don’t impress this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Towns requested a trade. Does acquiring Harden help the Wolves fend off that request?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Acquiring Harden is only half of the benefit for the Wolves here. They’re also shedding Rudy Gobert. He did not appear to be a good fit alongside Towns last season. The duo may be too lacking in combined lateral quickness to succeed together. This deal has the Wolves accepting that reality.
Of course, they’re also landing James Harden. We’re not saying that this is risk-free. The Wolves are already light on draft capital. By surrendering two swaps to make this move, they get even lighter. We still think it’s a move worth making.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
After all, Harden should be a perfect basketball fit with the rest of this roster. His playmaking should especially benefit Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, even if it doesn’t work out, at least the Wolves get off of Gobert’s contract. Should the Spurs absorb it?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Apparently, the Spurs are looking for a big man to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Their rookie prodigy is a little too slight of frame to handle the 5 on a full-time basis. Should they pair him with a countrymen in Gobert?
It would have to be tempting. Imagine the defensive potential of this duo. Gobert would be a primary rim protector, while Wembanyama could operate as a free safety. Scoring on the interior against the Spurs could suddenly become very difficult. Basketball-wise, this makes sense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Money wise? It’s a bit messy. At the same time, the Spurs have salary cap room to spare. If they want to get Wembanyama’s career off on the right foot, acquiring Gobert makes sense. Should the Sixers help them acquire him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
This is bleak for the Sixers. We know that. Realistically, any outcome of the Harden situation is likely to be bleak. He’s on an expiring contract, and he’s made a habit of leaving his team. Harden may be the biggest flight risk in the NBA.
With that context in mind, the Sixers should be happy to land a pair of pick swaps. They may be able to get a protected first-rounder from someone else, but let’s be clear: the Sixers won’t get a superstar’s haul for Harden. This team has to be prepared to take a loss.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
This deal could at least mitigate that loss. Conley is still a serviceable player, and McDermott is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. If Tyrese Maxey takes a step forward, this deal could actually keep the Sixers relevant. For now, all they can do is practice with Harden on the roster.
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