The NBA is waiting for the Philadelphia 76ers to trade James Harden. This has to happen – whether now, or closer to the trade deadline. After all, Harden has made his intentions clear. He has explicitly stated that his relationship with general manager Daryl Morey is damaged beyond repair.
They’ve got a suitor lined up, right? Not so fast. Harden is openly interested in joining the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems as if the Clippers have a mutual interest – but it’s limited.
Recently, it’s been reported that the Clippers are unwilling to part with Terrance Mann in exchange for Harden. How interested could they be?
We’ll see how this situation unfolds. In the meantime, the Sixers must be looking at other suitors. Teams could be interested in him if Harden is available at a discount. Could one of those teams be the San Antonio Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal — San Antonio Spurs Land James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Khem Birch, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G James Harden
The NBA waited for the Houston Rockets to trade James Harden. Then, they waited for the Brooklyn Nets to do the same. Harden has made a habit of requesting trades. By now, he’s perhaps the NBA’s most prolific journeyman.
What is Harden looking for? One would assume that he’s pursuing an NBA title. Yet, that hasn’t seemed to be the case this summer. According to reports, Harden was interested in reuniting with the Rockets this summer – but the Rockets decided against the reunion.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Why would he go from the Sixers to the Rockets if he’s trying to win a title? Is it possible that basketball freedom is more important to him? Does Harden need to play his way? We’re not sure – Harden is a bit of an enigma.
Would he find whatever he’s looking for in San Antonio?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
That’s not the question here. The question is whether the Spurs should want Harden. That’s not an easy question to answer. From a basketball perspective, they should – but that’s not the only perspective the Spurs need to use. Should they bring Harden into their locker room?
That may be less of a concern. If you ask young players like Nicolas Claxton or Tyrese Maxey, they’ll tell you that Harden has positively influenced their careers. He isn’t necessarily a bad influence – Harden is simply complicated.
With that said, from a basketball perspective, Harden is simple enough – he’s simply one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Pairing Victor Wembanyama with him on the floor should appeal to the Spurs.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Harden will get their superstar prospect good looks nightly and help ease him into NBA life. Should the Sixers accept this package in return for him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
All of those trade requests can hurt a player’s trade value. The fact that Harden is on an expiring contract doesn’t help either. By now, he’s a significant flight risk. Teams won’t give up the farm in exchange for a player they will likely lose next summer anyway.
The Sixers should be happy to land one unprotected first in exchange for Harden. They’re getting one here. If the Sixers intend to hold out for more draft capital, they may hold out until after the deadline. This is much better than watching Harden walk next summer.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
So is acquiring McDermott and Graham. They’ll both be meaningful players in this team’s rotation. That’s key for the Sixers. After all, they’ll be looking to stave off a trade request from Joel Embiid – the Sixers need to stay relevant. Otherwise, the NBA will wait for them to make another trade before long.
