James Harden Trade Rumors: 5 Role Players Sixers May Target

The next potential under-the-radar move on the list involves going back to a certain college well that might cause unwelcomed flashbacks in the City of Brotherly Love. Tari Eason starred at LSU where he earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in the Southeastern Conference during the 2021-22 season after transferring over from Cincinnati. He was a versatile wing player for Ben Simmons’ alma mater where he did it all, including an impressive four-game stint at point guard.

Eason’s ceiling could be a “better Dennis Rodman,” according to Houston Rockets assistant John Lucas who coached Rodman for two seasons in San Antonio. Ironically, Lucas also coached the Sixers from 1994-96.

“He is a prime example of a better Dennis Rodman,” said Lucas, via Big Sarge Sportz. “That is a good fit for him. I have been trying to see who he plays like. You don’t have to run plays for him, but you can pencil in 16 to 18 points for him, and he is getting better. He is crashing the offensive glass. He is running the floor and getting steals.”

2. Tari Eason, Houston Rockets: Eason was loosely linked to the Sixers heading into the 2022 NBA draft. Instead, he went 17th overall to Houston and Philadelphia swapped the 23rd pick (David Roddy) to Memphis in exchange for De’Anthony Melton. No one is criticizing that genius move. It stands to reason that Eason — a lock-down defender with great speed and raw talent — would be a tempting young player for the Sixers to unload Harden for as part of a bigger deal. The 6-foot-8 wing saw significant burn during his rookie year and got better as the year rolled along. He averaged 9.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game while serving on the Rockets’ so-called “Goon Squad.” He has all the makings of a young P.J. Tucker.