5 James Harden-76ers trades to teams nobody is expecting

5 James Harden-76ers trades to teams nobody is expecting: Miami Heat

Everyone has their eyes on the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers as the two sides attempt to figure out a trade for Damian Lillard, and rightfully so. That’s been the expectation all summer.

But what if the Heat wanted to get in on the action for James Harden? Could they, one, get tired of the Trail Blazers’ negotiations and pivot to Harden, or, two, land both star guards?

76ers receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap)

Heat receive: Damian Lillard, James Harden, Furkan Korkmaz, Danuel House Jr.

Trail Blazers receive: Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2028 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap), 2030 First-Round Pick

The answer two both “could they” questions is yes. There is technically a world where the Heat could land both Harden and Lillard in one giant three-team trade, and it would look something like this.

Tyler Herro has quickly become one of the league’s most underrated players. Just because the Trail Blazers don’t want him (because they already have two starting guards) doesn’t mean he’s not valuable.

He’s still only 23 years old and would create a talented young backcourt with Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia. Plus, the 76ers would get some shooting with Duncan Robinson and a solid role player in Haywood Highsmith.

Miami would come out like bandits in this deal, forming a core four of Harden, Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo moving forward.

Meanwhile, the 76ers would get a bit younger and lose a bit of talent, but with Harden all but demanding a trade away from the team, the offers may not be what Daryl Morey is looking for.

This package isn’t great for Philadelphia, but teams aren’t going to be chomping at the bit to give away major assets for a disgruntled star who has made it clear he has no intentions of playing for the 76ers next year.