The Philadelphia 76ers will look significantly different after February’s trade deadline if James Harden has his way. The ten-time All-Star has requested a trade and appears to be drawing a line in the sand on playing for the Sixers again. President Daryl Morey is not interested in trading Harden at a discount. He wants a massive return that keeps Philly in contention, but that package is not coming.
Things will get messy, but the 76ers will trade the ten-time All-Star for the top available package. They cannot slip from contention, which will force Morey to look for upgrades at the deadline. Philadelphia’s assets are limited, but they cannot afford to slide and risk Joel Embiid requesting a trade.
Tobias Harris is on a $39.2 million expiring contract, which gives the Sixers plenty of options in trades. They could dangle Harris as a matching salary in a blockbuster. Morey is never afraid to make an aggressive move, but who will be available?
Players Philadelphia 76ers might replace Tobias Harris with by the trade deadline
10. Terry Rozier
The Sixers will need another ball-handler and playmaker after James Harden’s departure. They want Tyrese Maxey to take a step forward, but asking him to be the lead facilitator is a stretch. Maxey’s scoring and time on the ball will increase but do not expect him to average seven assists per game.
Rozier gives Philly a starting point guard who can run an offense and space the floor. He is a career 36.7 percent 3-point shooter who has averaged over 20 points per game in two of the last three seasons. He is not a star, but the 6’1 point guard gives the 76ers another scorer and offensive weapon.
The Philadelphia 76ers are not just going to swap Terry Rozier for Tobias Harris. This could be part of a multiple-player deal that could send Miles Bridges or Gordon Hayward to Philadelphia with the 29-year-old point guard. It may not be the perfect fit as Daryl Morey has been unwilling to add future salary, but it is an avenue worth exploring, especially if the franchise has a desperate need at the one.
9. Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie is a solid rotation piece that could raise the 76ers floor. The 6’5 guard is comfortable coming off the bench or starting and is fresh off arguably the best year of his career. Dinwiddie shot over 40 percent from 3-point range in his 76 games with the Mavericks playing off Luka Doncic as he blended him in as a secondary creator and scorer.
Fans may worry about him co-existing with Joel Embiid, but that is nothing. Embiid and Dinwiddie both want to win and would do what it takes if they team up.
The Nets are a difficult team to read entering the 2023-24 season. They made the playoffs last year after trading away Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, but Philadelphia easily swept them in the first round. Brooklyn hopes Mikal Bridges can become an All-Star, but is that enough to get them back to the postseason?
The Nets could be sellers by the trade deadline with multiple options available. Philadelphia could look to trade for multiple pieces, including Dinwiddie and a starting-caliber wing. It would cost them Tobias Harris and more, but it could allow the Sixers to keep a contending roster around Joel Embiid. Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals in 2022, and both could join the Philadelphia 76ers before the deadline.
8. Malcolm Brogdon
The Celtics were prepared to trade Brogdon to the Clippers this summer, but the deal fell through in the final moments. Instead, Boston shipped Marcus Smart to Memphis to land Kristaps Porzingis. It was a bold move, but the Celtics needed a shake-up as they try to get over the hump for their 18th title.
They may not be done. Boston is all-in on winning a championship in 2024 and could be searching for expiring contracts as they try to avoid the second tax apron moving forward. Jaylen Brown’s extension increases his pay by $18 million next season, so the Celtics could look to move Brogdon or Porzingis for an expiring deal before the deadline.
The Unicorn suffered an injury that will force him to miss the World Cup and those have been problematic throughout his career. It would be quick to admit a mistake, so Brad Stevens and the Celtics might just try to improve the fit around Porzingis and their two stars before February’s deadline.
Tobias Harris is a 6’8 forward that would allow them to go small. He can space the floor and has a versatile skill set. The Boston Celtics could be searching for that type of player, and the Philadelphia 76ers will need a ball-handler and playmaker if James Harden departs. There will be other pieces involved, but the rivals could become trade partners.
7. Tyler Herro
Herro will be on the move if the Miami Heat acquire Damian Lillard, but Portland has no interest in the 6’5 wing. The 23-year-old has scored 20-plus points per game in two straight seasons, but the Blazers have no room in the backcourt. Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons will be their present and future guards. Miami must find a third team willing to take Herro if they want to get the deal done.
The 76ers want a star, but they may have to settle for Herro given their limited trade assets. Tyrese Maxey and Boy Wonder are not the cleanest fit in the backcourt together, but it would give Philadelphia plenty of scoring and shot creation to support Joel Embiid. The Sixers might be able to save a bit in the current season by trading Tobias Harris for Herro and another piece.
The Heat would not be eager to see Tyler Herro head to Philly. The two sides linked up on the Jimmy Butler trade, but are direct rivals in the Eastern Conference. Both hope to make deep playoff runs in 2024.
This would be a bold move by Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers. They must believe Herro can transform into an All-Star for it to make sense. His defense is below average at best, but the 6’5 guard gives the Sixers some needed firepower if James Harden departs.
6. Zach LaVine
Daryl Morey’s desire to acquire star talent is well-documented. He is never afraid to make a bold move or pay a hefty price to get an elite player. Morey waited on the Ben Simmons saga until he landed James Harden. He will attempt to bide his time until a similar trade appears. It is unlikely but never say never in the NBA.
Morey might need to flip Harden for draft capital and turn those picks into another star. The Bulls are a place to look after Chicago missed the playoffs in 2023. Lonzo Ball is out for the season, and they could be fighting for tenth again this season, despite adding a couple of role players. LaVine was mentioned in trade rumors this summer and could be on the move if the Bulls decide to rebuild.
The two-time All-Star is an elite scorer in the middle of his prime. He has put up over 23 points per game for five straight years and is a stellar athlete. LaVine and Embiid could form a dynamic offensive duo that is extremely efficient and impossible to stop.
The Bulls have set a high asking price for Zach LaVine, but Daryl Morey could get the Philadelphia 76ers in the sweepstakes by trading James Harden. It would put a massive long-term contract on their books, but could be what keeps the reigning MVP in the City of Brotherly Love.
5. DeMar DeRozan
The Sixers would prefer to add DeRozan over Zach LaVine. The six-time All-Star gives them more size and versatility. DeRozan is 6’6 and comfortable playing two through four. He can guard multiple positions which makes switching easier. Both are elite scorers, but DeRozan offers more ball-handling and playmaking, which Philadelphia will need if James Harden has a new address.
The 6’6 forward is a mid-range master, but may not be the cleanest offensive fit next to Joel Embiid. The 76ers would need shooters around their star duo, and it would take time to gel. New head coach Nick Nurse is a master tactician, but it may not work fitting them together on the fly.
DeRozan is entering the final year of his contract. The Bulls have expressed interest in an extension, but nothing has materialized yet. The 34-year-old could be ready to join a contender before the deadline, and the Sixers want a co-star for Joel Embiid.
DeMar DeRozan is comfortable in any role, which could help the Philadelphia 76ers. It is Joel Embiid’s team, but Philly may prefer Tyrese Maxey to be the number two. DeRozan currently plays with LaVine and Nikole Vucevic in Chicago and is no stranger to being the lead distributor. The six-time All-Star’s expiring contract could open the door for the Sixers before the deadline.
4. Chris Paul
The Warriors boldly traded for Chris Paul this offseason but fitting him in may take time. Head coach Steve Kerr has a massive decision on his hands during training camp. Does he try to convince CP3 to come off the bench for the first time in his career or do the Dubs break up arguably the best starting lineup in basketball last season?
Playing Stephen Curry and Paul in the backcourt together will create defensive issues, but they can work it out.
It takes two willing sides, though. Paul already made some testy comments about coming off the bench. Is he on board with being the Dubs’ sixth man if that is what is best for the team? If not, the Warriors could look to trade CP3 before the deadline for someone who improves their title odds.
Swapping Tobias Harris for Chris Paul could be beneficial for both sides. The Warriors get some size and scoring to add to their vaunted small ball lineup with Draymond Green at the five as Philadelphia picks up James Harden’s replacement.
Paul is set to make $30.8 million this season and has a fully non-guaranteed $30 million salary for the 2024-25 campaign. This gives the Philadelphia 76ers the option to keep their cap space open next summer or bring back CP3 for another run. Could Daryl Morey trade for Chris Paul again? Bad blood or not, it could happen.
3. Kyrie Irving
Irving signed a three-year $120 million contract with the Mavericks this summer, so he cannot be traded until Dec. 15.
The eight-time All-Star is still at the top of his game, despite all the off-court drama that has followed him in recent years. Over the last four seasons combined, Irving has averaged 27.1 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 36.0 minutes per game on 49.1 percent shooting from the field, 39.5 percent on his threes, and 91.4 percent from the free throw line.
Kyrie checks every box on the superstar checklist, but will he be available? The Mavericks crashed out of the playoffs last season after acquiring the 6’2 guard at the deadline. Irving is no stranger to trade requests, especially if things are not going well with the team. If Dallas struggles early on, Kyrie could demand a trade before February’s deadline.
Morey would be eagerly awaiting with Tobias Harris and whatever draft capital he can muster. It won’t be a massive package, but will any team pay one after Irving has averaged just 40.8 games per year over the last four and asked to be traded by two different teams? The market has not been strong for Harden, and he has been much more active than Kyrie.
This might be Daryl Morey’s best chance at acquiring a superstar at a discount, but there is no guarantee that Kyrie Irving will hit the market after less than one year in Dallas.
2. Pascal Siakam
Siakam is in the final year of his contract and on the trade block. Fans have heard the rumors and even a reported offer (subscription required) from the Hawks for the two-time All-Star. Siakam wants to stay in Toronto, but the Raptors have to decide if their desire is to extend or trade the 6’9 forward.
Trade appears more likely at this stage. The Raptors lost Fred VanVleet in free agency and have missed the playoffs in two of the last three years. They are not contenders, so it could be time to rebuild. Toronto re-signed Jakob Poeltl and added Dennis Schroder, but expect them to seriously consider selling if there are not massive improvements before the deadline.
New Sixers head coach Nick Nurse coached Siakam in Toronto and helped him blossom into a two-time All-Star. Could they reunite in Philadelphia? The Raptors are going to set a high asking price, but the 76ers could land a superstar if they are willing to part with Tyrese Maxey. It depends on how badly they want Siakam.
Tobias Harris would have to be included to match the salary, but this could be the bold swap Daryl Morey needs to keep Joel Embiid in town. It may be a cleaner fit to acquire a point guard, but having a star big-man duo could be the best Philadelphia can do before the deadline.
1. Damian Lillard
Lillard wants out of Portland, but the Miami Heat are the lone team on his current wish list. The two sides are working on a deal, but cannot come to terms. If Lillard has truly played his last game for the Trail Blazers, he may have to expand his options to get traded before the start of the season.
Portland appears comfortable holding on to Dame until they get a monster offer. The Hear have put multiple first-round picks and Tyler Herro on the table. The Trail Blazers have shown little interest in Herro, which could open the door for a desperate team like the 76ers.
Can Daryl Morey find a way to trade James Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey into a contending roster around Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard? Do not rule it out. Harris would have to head to Portland or a third team to make the salary-matching work. If the Sixers can add some draft capital and role players for Harden, they could quickly have a revamped roster around two superstars.
Will the Philadelphia 76ers trade Harris before the deadline? They will be a must if they plan on adding another star to pair with Joel Embiid. It is on Daryl Morey to find the right package, so stay tuned.
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