Grade the Trade: 76ers trade James Harden in wild mock three-team blockbuster

2 of 4

James Harde, Jaylen Brown – Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

76ers trade James Harden to the Celtics in wild three-team blockbuster

In this proposed three-team deal, the Philadelphia 76ers part ways with James Harden, who goes to the Celtics while acquiring two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine from the Bulls. Chicago will obtain guard Malcolm Brogdon, center Robert Williams III, forward Grant Williams (via a sign-and-trade), Boston’s first-rounder in 2025, and Philly’s first-rounder in 2029.

The Sixers acquire a talented shooting guard in LaVine as a Harden replacement in this case, arming Joel Embiid another running mate alongside rising star Tyrese Maxey, whom they have branded untouchable in all trade talks.

Meanwhile, the Celtics bolster their already star-studded roster with Harden to man the point guard position, giving the 2022 NBA Finalists a potential starting unit of Harden-Brown-Tatum-Horford-Porzingis that should quickly make them favorites in the East. Lastly, the Bulls get valuable draft compensation from both teams while acquiring Brogdon, a veteran in a position of need, and younger players in Grant Williams and Robert Williams to retool their squad.

How does this deal grade out in our eyes? Let’s take a glance at the pros and cons of this for the Sixers.