James Harden is turning up the pressure on the 76ers to trade him. His brazen comments about GM Daryl Morey have likely pushed this situation into unsalvageable territory, and they also sent a message to the rest of the league that he wants someone to save him.
Given Harden’s long history of trade requests, it’s no surprise most NBA teams are wary of acquiring the former MVP. That being said, there’s a few franchises that would take the risk in order to give their rosters a boost.
With that in mind, here are three teams crazy enough to trade for Harden.
James Harden Trade Destinations
1. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are the most obvious candidate to still go after Harden. He’s made it clear all offseason that he wants to be in L.A., though his request has yet to be fulfilled.
The Sixers have, at the very least, been happy to discuss a deal with the Clips, making several attempts to hammer out a trade. That means the groundwork is already laid and both sides know what the other is looking for. Now it’s all about finding the price that makes these teams agree.
The Clippers certainly have reasons to keep pursuing the 10-time All-Star. Their offense would hit another level by adding the equally deadly playmaker and scorer to a lineup that already features the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Injuries have plagued both studs in recent years, so having someone who can truly carry this unit for any stretch is crucial.
The window for a George-Leonard duo to win a title may also be closing with both players’ futures uncertain. Bringing Harden in could finally help deliver the title owner Steve Ballmer has been so desperate to earn.
Los Angeles has the right amount of big contracts and promising pieces to put together a compelling trade offer. The fact Harden’s made his desire to play for the Clippers public also means other teams likely won’t chase him too hard.
That reality is what makes the Clips the clear frontrunners to eventually land Harden.
2. Miami Heat
Pat Riley isn’t afraid to take a big swing, which means the Heat can’t be ruled out as a possible Harden trade partner.
Miami has a clear need for a second offensive-minded superstar to alleviate the pressure on Jimmy Butler’s shoulders. This lack of a true No. 2 who can handle and create shots (for himself or others) will always cap this squad’s ceiling, despite the team making several deep playoff runs recently.
That’s why the Heat have been connected to Damian Lillard this offseason, who would make Miami one of the league’s favorites to win the Finals in 2023-24. However, progress on a Lillard deal has come to screeching halt as the Heat’s trade package isn’t worthy of landing a top-15 player.
If Riley does strike out on Lillard, he’s going to pivot quickly. Miami needs a star guard, and Harden is the obvious pivot option.
Coming off of a 2022-23 campaign that saw The Beard put up 21 points and a league-leading 10.7 assists per game, Harden’s potential impact on the Heat’s offense is obvious. Though the three-time scoring leader isn’t as explosive as he once was, he’d still instantly become this squad’s second-best option when they need a bucket. Pairing a legit shooting threat like Harden with the more close-range focused Butler also makes all the sense in the world.
While Miami doesn’t have a Lillard-worthy package, it’d likely be enough to land Harden, especially if Philly wants him out of town as soon as possible. Acquiring a couple first- and second-picks, alongside a young contributor with upside like Nikola Jokic or Jaime Jaquez Jr., would provide the Sixers with even more capital to pursue a deal for another difference-maker.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
There’s going to be a few franchises out there who silently contemplate a Harden deal, and I wonder if the Pelicans would be one of them. After all, this is one franchise that could use a shakeup in order to maximize its roster potential.
New Orleans fizzled after a hot start to the 2022-23 campaign, finishing No. 10 in the west and losing its first Play-In Tournament game. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram give the Pens two star building blocks, though the former’s health struggles since entering the league present a major hurdle in the way of contention.
By adding Harden, David Griffin would form an intimidating trio with dominant talents at guard, on the wing, and in the paint. The seven-time All-NBA honoree is the exact kind of player that can lead the offense, especially if Williamson or Ingram (the latter of whom played just 45 games last season) is out for any reason.
Harden also presents a legit upgrade at guard over C.J. McCollum, which is essential if the team is to compete in a loaded conference. Meanwhile, McCollum could be the kind of win-now piece that headlines a package, sending a crafty scorer to Philly that would complement Embiid well. Morey’s also targeted McCollum in the past, so the GM is certainly a fan of the guard’s game.
Though there’s plenty of risk involved, this is the kind of all-in move New Orleans should consider to elevate its intriguing core.
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