With the NBA 2K24 Summer League garnering all the headlines as of the moment, the rumor mill has stayed on its glacial course, especially for the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently fastened to the ongoing James Harden saga, the franchise seemingly has a narrow way out as things currently shape up.
The 76ers have shown some degree of amenability to welcoming the prospect of having Harden back, with reigning MVP Joel Embiid even going on record recently to say that he hopes the former MVP can change his tune on his trade request, especially with the team still having unfinished business following their unceremonial postseason exit.
Most signs still point to the 76ers trading James Harden sooner than later
Nevertheless, Harden seems resolute in not having a change of heart. In fact, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne revealed what’s the latest on this front.
"James Harden has spoken to Daryl Morey since the first trade request, and I think there was a cooling off period. They’ve spoken again, and [Harden] still reiterated he wants to be traded. Now, this isn’t a demand, it’s a request. I think the Sixers have said, okay we will try to trade you, but there is no hurry to do this."
With Harden entering free agency next season, the 76ers have all the leverage. Still, the front office will try to exhaust all their options to ensure that he doesn’t walk away for nothing. That being said, our very own Hoops Habit recently dished out a trade proposal that could net Philly the assets they desire in parting with the All-Star.
76ers send James Harden to the Clippers in this three-team trade proposal
In this trade proposal by Hoops Habit, the Philadelphia 76ers receive guards Terance Mann and Norman Powell, a 2028 first-round pick, and three future second-rounders from the LA Clippers, which then acquire Harden and journeyman Furkan Korkmaz from the Sixers while also getting veteran big man JaVale McGee from Dallas. The Mavericks obtain forward Robert Covington and center Ivica Zubac from LA.
For the Sixers, this gives them a chance to get some immediate help and fill Harden’s eventual void while netting some significant draft capital moving forward.
Meanwhile, the Clippers — who have repeatedly been mentioned as the frontrunner for the former MVP’s services — finally get a third star around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Lastly, the Mavericks infuse a bit more size in the frontcourt, as well as defensive aptitude and length at the forward position with the Clippers veterans.
Anyhow, can this trade idea function as a viable framework for a potential deal involving Harden for Philly? Let’s zoom in a tad more.
Does this trade proposal give the 76ers an ideal return package for James Harden?
At this point, the 76ers should have already acknowledged the fact that they have complete leverage over James Harden, the latter having opted into the last year of his deal and not really having a choice but to play wherever he’s rostered at the time the season begins.
Philadelphia’s win-now ilk actually gives them backing to hold onto Harden, but it would be unwise for asset management for reasons mentioned a while ago. Hence, capitalizing on his still-lofty value will give them much more flexibility even in the face of a potentially subtle drop-off.
Terance Mann, whom the Clippers have been unwilling to package in trades since last year, is a solid young piece to pair with Tyrese Maxey, whom the 76ers have similarly deemed untouchable in deals.
Meanwhile, Powell is an above-average defender who can guard three positions and score at all three levels with high volume when needed. Hardaway Jr.’s contract is good for two more years, but he’s a serviceable gunner who can easily be flipped for assets in the next offseason.
Still, the most attractive part of this package for Philly is the two first-rounders they can get from Dallas and LA, with the latter sweetening the pot with three second-rounders. This will give the franchise some much-needed cushion to either retain for the future or to re-route if they want to chase a bigger name later on.
Should the 76ers pull the trigger on this deal and settle the dust with James Harden?
The short answer is yes.
This trade proposal capitalizes on the fact that both the Clippers and Mavericks have basically fully mortgaged their future to win now. Hence, both clubs would inarguably jump at the chance to acquire a bona fide star (LA) or shed significant salary to prep them better for trades or subsequent moves (Dallas).
That Philadelphia can get this robust of a return for a flight risk like Harden should make them enthused. If this deal or anything similar comes up on the table, Daryl Morey and company should be slated for an impressive fleece job, as this deal can help them ameliorate their present through plug-and-play studs, as well as their future with Mann and the handsome draft capital.
The longer the current pause between Harden and the 76ers drags on, the less inspiring offers the latter stand to receive. Going by this timeline, a deal of this grain should be viewed by the franchise as an opportunity, and not a concession.