After spending less than two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden is reportedly set to be traded to a new NBA team.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that Harden will pick up his $35.6 million option with the 76ers to help facilitate a trade to a new destination.
It’d be the fourth time in Harden’s career that he’d be traded to a new team, as the former MVP is still searching for his first championship.
Wojnarowski mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks as possible destinations for Harden in a trade. More suitors will likely emerge in the days to come.
BREAKING: 76ers G James Harden is picking up his $35.6 million option and sides are beginning to work together in exploring trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN. It’s expected that Harden has played his last game for Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/GguWgysfNZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2023
What team could push further for an NBA title with Harden in the fold?We’ve broken down the five teams that make the most sense at the moment.
It’s not an exhaustive list as it is a sensical one, as all five of these destinations could provide Harden different benefits as he continues his career.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have long been searching for the right lineup to get them out of the Western Conference, and pairing Harden with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George could be a mightily enticing possibility for Los Angeles.
If the Lakers also want Harden, it could put pressure on the Clippers to find a way to get him on their side of the equation to enhance the roster.
Plus, it’d be fun to see Harden and Russell Westbrook play together again if the latter re-signs in Los Angeles.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have already done plenty of roster tinkering this year by adding Kevin Durant to the roster.
Would they reunite Durant with his old Brooklyn Nets teammate Harden?
The Suns could initiate a three-way trade that would send center Deandre Ayton to a third team in order to make this work, but having Harden, Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal as a core would certainly make Suns fans intrigued.
Our Bryan Kalbrosky thinks the Dallas Mavericks could land Ayton in a deal to get Kyrie Irving. Imagine if the Suns landed Irving and Harden. Then it really would be a Nets reunion.
Harden, Durant, Irving, Booker and Beal? You’ll have Phoenix fans celebrating a title that hasn’t been won yet.
Brian Windhorst in February: “Kyrie was really interested in being in Phoenix. So just start thinking about that.”
Suns big man Deandre Ayton is a rumored target for the Mavericks. Perhaps a sign-and-trade is coming?https://t.co/TgKrBTIMxa
— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 29, 2023
New York Knicks
The Knicks have a pretty talented roster at present, but adding Harden to the mix could make them an immediate heavyweight in the Eastern Conference.
Putting Harden with guys like Jalen Brunson, R.J. Barrett, Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart could really put this longsuffering franchise in a great position to really push for a title.
Would it work? We’re not completely sure, but it’d be absolutely fascinating to see Harden play in New York.
Houston Rockets
Could Harden actually go back to Houston to play for the Rockets again?
On paper, it wouldn’t make a ton of sense with Houston firmly in rebuilding mode. However, if he really loved being a part of the franchise and wants to go back to live in Texas, don’t count it out.
Harden would immediately step in as the team’s best player in a trade, but we’re a bit suspect that the Rockets would be willing to part ways with talented assets for a veteran like Harden.
However, he’s also one of the NBA’s best players. Sometimes you just make it work.
Los Angeles Lakers
Can you imagine Harden playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles? It might not be as wild an idea as you’d think.
Pairing Harden with two of the best players in basketball would instantly make the Lakers one of the fiercest teams in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles would have the depth it would need to really make this work if they can retain guys like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and Dennis Schröder.
That’d be a lot of star power for a team that thrives on it, and it could help Harden push for his first title with a legendary franchise.
Also, consider this intriguing tidbit concerning Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
… is the paperwork in on the Lakers dumping Beasley and Bamba?
Because… the Lakers… and Pelinka was Harden’s agent… so… https://t.co/PRXVh7163v
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 29, 2023
