One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers and Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers, Knicks and Clippers:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, a 2027 first-round pick from New York, a 2028 first-round pick swap with New York, a 2029 first-round pick from New York, a 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles and a 2030 first-round pick swap from New York
New York Knicks Receive: Joel Embiid and Terance Mann
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: James Harden and Isaiah Hartenstein
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Clippers. The Beard averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season in 58 games. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Isaiah Hartenstein, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, Hartenstein averaged 5.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists for the Knicks last season in 82 games. He played for the Clippers during the 2021-22 season.
“There is some significant risk here,” Bailey wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Harden is 34 years old and has quit on each of his last three teams. So, despite the Clippers being Harden’s preferred destination, it’s not surprising that they haven’t acquired him yet. Still, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said, ‘The Clippers are the most motivated team to give up at least a first-round pick in this.’ If no one else goes that far, a pick, Terance Mann and enough salary to make the deal work under the collective bargaining agreement might get this done. L.A.’s depth takes a hit here, but Harden is still one of the best playmakers in the NBA. He’d make scoring easier for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
“This trade also returns Isaiah Hartenstein to L.A. That addition might allow the team to re-route him or trade Ivica Zubac to recoup some of the wing depth it lost in this deal.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Isaiah Hartenstein, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Clippers are the only team interested in trading for Harden, sources told NBA Analysis Network. Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles and has spoken with Leonard, George and Russell Westbrook about joining them on the Clippers, sources said.
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