Why should the 76ers steer clear from trading Harden to the Clippers
If there’s anything to pout about this trade proposal, it’s that the 76ers can extract so much more out of Harden from a theoretical standpoint (e.g. this mock trade). Notwithstanding the aforesaid merits of this deal, such proposal verges too much on what’s projected as realistic and pegs Philly as the party to concede here.
First off, Boston Jr. as the main young piece in this deal is not ideal when you can have a savvy youngin like Terance Mann instead. Also, Covington and Morris Sr. collaboratively create a logjam for the 76ers in the forward spots without really offering much in on-court value to stimulate hope for an eventual give-me-some-draft-capital deal in the deadline. The players involved in this deal cannot be tossed in as surefire floor-raisers, or significant contributors next season.
While this may sound off as being too hopeful, Daryl Morey can definitely be much more creative than this. From trying to shoehorn themselves in the Lillard sweepstakes as a third team, to perhaps finding some potentially aged gems around the league such as Zach LaVine, the 76ers have a slew of options up their sleeve.
Ultimately, Philly is also playing the temporal game here and awaiting how the market shakes out. But for now — and a world of realism realized — this is perhaps one of the better, if not the best offer out there that another team can offer for James Harden at this juncture.