Grade the Trade: 76ers swap All-Stars in this three-team blockbuster

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James Harden, 76ers – Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

The 76ers swap Harden for another All-Star in this three-team blockbuster

In this proposed three-team trade, the Philadelphia 76ers acquire All-Star wing DeMar DeRozan and two future second-round draft picks via the Dallas Mavericks, which land James Harden in this deal. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls obtain big man Christian Wood via a sign-and-trade, veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr., and a future first-round pick from Dallas in 2027.

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, remains one of the more potent scorers in the league. Even with the absence of a three-point shot, the soon-to-be 34-year-old’s scoring acumen remains top-notch with his mid-range mastery, elite foul-drawing skills, and ability to score in traffic. Last season, he finished second in the Bulls roster with 24.5 points per outing, slightly below Zach LaVine’s 24.8 average.

Like Harden, DeRozan will enter unrestricted free agency upon the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, meaning that the front office will be able to retain ample financial flexibility even if they acquire him. That being said, can the veteran scorer give the 76ers the push they need to get over the hump in the East?