The NBA world received some huge news recently. The Philadelphia 76ers have traded James Harden. We’ve been waiting for this moment, and it has finally arrived. What will the Sixers do next?
We don’t know – but we’re excited to find out. One thing is clear: the Sixers want assets. They aren’t likely interested in any players they received in exchange for Harden – they want draft capital. In time, they will likely move a bundle of it in exchange for another star player.
How will that look? The Sixers could be done making moves until closer to the deadline. On the other hand, they could start shipping off veterans for more draft capital sooner than that.
Could they send Nicolas Batum to the Dallas Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Nic Batum
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR via DAL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Nic Batum
Last season, it was the Mavericks making headlines at the trade deadline. They acquired Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets. The move was met with mixed reviews. Irving’s talent has always been undeniable. Wasn’t he a flight risk?
Apparently not. Irving resigned with the Mavericks this summer. He’s taken every opportunity to indicate that he’d like to remain with the team until he retires. Ironically enough, he’s not the former Net who forced his way out of his new city.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
That would be Harden. When the Sixers acquired him, it was generally seen as a coup. Now, he’s gone. Harden has left the Sixers to plan their next move. Would this be a good decision?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
If the Sixers are trading for a star, they’ll likely turn to a team ready to rebuild. That team will want a pair of second-round picks more than they want Batum. So, this is about putting a more attractive trade package for that hypothetical partner.
Of course, you need contracts to make a trade. That’s not a problem. The Sixers can package Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, Furkan Korkmaz, and Danuel House Jr. to make up a star’s salary. Batum was valuable to them in that sense, but if a team wants him sooner, he’s expendable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
What else is there to say? The Sixers need assets. This deal nets them a couple. This is a no-brainer for the Sixers. Should the Mavericks be interested in this deal?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
By contrast, the Mavericks don’t seem likely to look for a third star. They’re a bit light on assets. More broadly, Doncic is the type of ball-dominant star who commands a certain usage rate. After him and Irving, the Mavericks may not have the bandwidth for another star.
So, they need quality role players. Batum qualifies. He’s a multi-positional defender who spaces the floor. Batum is also a high-feel player. He’s a good connective passer who will make good decisions for the Mavericks whenever he’s on the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
In other words, he’s the perfect role player for this team. Meanwhile, the Mavericks can spare Holmes with Derrick Lively III and Dwight Powell on the roster. This deal may not make headlines, but it should make the Mavericks a better team.
