5 James Harden-76ers trades to teams nobody is expecting: Orlando Magic
Last year, the Orlando Magic showed off some serious potential, so would they have any interest in taking on James Harden as a rental in an attempt to make a push next year?
76ers receive: Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Magic receive: James Harden
Adding one year of Harden to a core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. would help the team next year, and the cost wouldn’t be too bad.
Harden’s playmaking and scoring would complement Banchero and Wagner well while also giving Suggs an extra year of coming off the bench, this time behind an All-Star-caliber guard.
Plus, Orlando would be giving up two players on expiring contracts and another guy who hasn’t played consistently in the past few years.
For the 76ers, Fultz’s return would be fun, but he’s blossomed into a quality player with the Magic. He could play in the backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, while Cole Anthony would act as a high-tier sixth man.
Jonathan Isaac would be a risky addition, but if the 76ers could get him back onto the court for any amount of time, it would be a win.
Plus, with Fultz’s contract coming off the books next summer and Isaac’s deal being not fully guaranteed, the 76ers could open up some serious cap space next summer.
Overall, this isn’t a great deal for a 76ers team hoping to compete, but the Magic would probably consider it, and Philadelphia would get okay depth.