Grade the Trade: 76ers snag MVP candidate in this blockbuster proposal

Joel Embiid, James Harden (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, James Harden (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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76ers
Zion Williamson, James Harden, 76ers – Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The 76ers snag an MVP candidate in this blockbuster trade proposal with the Pelicans

In this blockbuster trade proposal, the Philadelphia 76ers acquire All-Star forward Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans for Harden, an unprotected first-round selection in 2029, the right to swap first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2030, and a 2024 second-rounder via the New York Knicks.

Williamson, despite becoming more synonymous with the injury report than almost anyone in the league after missing a staggering 194 games over the last four years, remains an elite player in the association when healthy. In fact, he managed to carve out MVP-worthy seasons last year when healthy and in the 2020-21 campaign before he went down due to injury.

Still having just turned 23, there’s no doubt that Williamson is still a widely coveted foundational block for any franchise looking to win now and build for the future. Hence, as a franchise that should be eyeing to do the same, the 76ers could find the prospect of landing Zion as a dream scenario as they attempt to move on from the disparaging Harden saga.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the nuances of this deal.