Ranking potential landing spots for James Harden
By Tyler Watts
![Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cbfd0213883c0874618b0f1efcbb32ca35de9e20d09e43b618fb0abf2dbf2e2f.jpg)
Things would have to get wild to acquire James Harden
These teams want to contend, but have a player blocking James Harden.
12. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors traded for Chris Paul this offseason in a shocking move. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will start in the backcourt, and there is no way James Harden is returning to the sixth man role he played in Oklahoma City more than a decade ago. If things with CP3 are not working, the Dubs could shop him, but they won’t be landing Harden in return.
11. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs re-signed Kyrie Irving this summer to star in the backcourt next to Luka Doncic. The only way Dallas has interest in Harden is if Irving quickly asks out. The Mavericks want a second star, but things would have to get extremely wild if they are in the market for the Beard.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are entertaining trading for another star but would have to deal C.J. McCollum to make this work. New Orleans cannot win with two starters in the backcourt who struggle on defense. James Harden could set up Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and make New Orleans an unstoppable offense. They would have to win a shootout every night, but it is not the craziest move.