When looking at NBA rumors, you’ve got to put the pieces together. A specific scenario may not be directly rumored, but if you look at the league’s landscape, you can put it together anyway. A team has a need, and a player who’s said to be available would satisfy it. For example, look at the Miami Heat.
The Heat need a point guard. They were heavily linked to Damian Lillard all summer. Ultimately, the Portland Trail Blazers would send him to the Milwaukee Bucks. What does that mean? It means that Miami still needs a point guard.
There’s a star point guard on the trade market. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers requested a trade quite some time ago. He should be available. Are you thinking what we’re thinking?
NBA Trade Proposal — Miami Heat Land James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA(, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G James Harden
With that said, there’s less detective work to be done than there used to be when looking at NBA rumors. In the age of social media, a lot of information is available to us. Players make comments in the public eye that let us know exactly where they stand.
James Harden is no exception. If anything, he’s setting a new standard for transparency among NBA players. Recently, he referred to Sixers general manager Daryl Morey as a “liar” in public.
More recently, he said that their relationship was damaged beyond repair. There’s no secret here: Harden does not want to be a 76er. By all accounts, he wants to be a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat Updates
It isn’t looking good. The Clippers are unwilling to part with Terrance Mann in exchange for the bearded star. Could the Heat be willing to part with a better package?
Why The Miami Heat Do This Deal
We’re not the first to make this suggestion. Bill Simmons just connected these dots. Another major publication suggested that the Heat should trade Tyler Herro and a pick swap for Harden.
We disagree. Harden is on an expiring contract. He clearly wants to go to the Clippers. If he gets moved to any other team, he’s likely to leave and take his talents to Hollywood next summer anyway. Parting with Herro for a one-year rental would be too risky for the Heat.
By contrast, parting with draft capital if they can pair the duo would give their title odds enough of a boost to justify. So, that’s what we’ve got them doing.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat Updates
The Heat would go into the 2023-24 season with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Harden and Herro. That’s a serious title contender. Does this deal keep the Sixers in the title picture?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do This Deal
The Sixers may not love this deal. Their fans won’t. Harden is a relatively recent MVP winner. Is this really the best that the Sixers can do for him?
We think so. Once again – Harden is a flight risk. The Clippers won’t part with Mann for him. The Sixers aren’t going to get a haul befitting a superstar for Harden. With that in mind, this is a solid return. The Sixers are landing some draft capital that they could ideally use to trade for Harden’s replacement.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, they’re getting some useful rotation players as well. Martin was a breakout player in last year’s playoffs. Lowry is aging, but he’s still able to contribute on a per-minute basis. Ultimately, this is just another rumor to keep an eye on.
