Grade the Trade: 76ers get Joel Embiid a brand new running mate

Why the 76ers should try to swap Tobias Harris for Zach LaVine

On the verge of losing James Harden, Philadelphia stands to lose a lot on the offensive end, particularly in isolation scoring and playmaking. After all, despite his overt passiveness at times, Harden was still someone whom the team can go to for a quick bucket when they need it while functioning as the primary table-setter on the court.

Scorers — and efficient ones — like Zach LaVine don’t grow on trees. Players of his caliber with significant roster control (player option in 2027) are even more tedious finds. Gems like him who are not branded as untouchables are diamonds waiting to be mined.

Depending on how Chicago operates moving forward with its mediocre roster — to which logic points to a rebuild — the 76ers should instantly sprint in front of the queueing for LaVine. He’s easily the Bulls’ best trade asset that can help them regain the draft capital they lost to Orlando and San Antonio in recent years and catapult the franchise into a much-needed reset.

An expiring deal like Harris’ and handsome draft compensation should be enough to serve as an initial framework for the trade. Ultimately, the Bulls stand to benefit just as much as the Sixers would in this scenario. This is easily a no-brainer for Philly.