James Harden has recently opted into the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and has requested a trade. He hoped the 76ers would offer him a long-term deal worth the money, but those talks stalled. Harden became frustrated and has now asked out. The main reason for Harden’s frustrations is that he took less money last year. The team added more pieces, but it was not enough. One of the main pieces was signing PJ Tucker. Harden has made it clear to Daryl Morey and the 76ers organization that he does not want to be in Philadelphia. Here is a list of the top three teams that should trade for James Harden.
- Los Angeles Clippers
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The Clippers have expressed interest in James Harden. Harden has an interest in joining forces with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers would form one of the best big threes in the NBA. Their offensive firepower would be one of the best in the league and would increase their championship window. The 76ers would ask for young guys and draft picks. A package of Terrance Mann, Norman Powel, and first-round picks could be interesting. But the Clippers hesitant to move on from Terrance Mann is because of his defensive tenacity. If the Clippers add James Harden and keep some of their depth, this will put them as one of the best teams in the West.
2. New York Knicks
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The Knicks have been starving to make a deep playoff run. James Harden could be the missing piece. Jalen Brunson is now the leader of this Knicks team, and adding a guy like Harden to play alongside Brunson would make them one of the best backcourts in the league. Moving on from Julius Randle would be something that I do not think Knicks fans would oppose. However, the 76ers would start the trade talks asking for RJ Barret, who I do not believe the Knicks should give up for Harden. However, some of their younger guys and draft picks could entice the 76ers just enough, plus Randle could make the trade go through. The Knicks need a star on that team if they want to do any damage, and Harden still has a lot to give to a team trying to make a deep playoff run.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks are still one of the best teams in the league. Their season was cut shorter than expected last year when they lost in 5 games to the Miami Heat. Adding a guy like Harden as a professional scorer could bolster the Bucks back into the finals. The Bucks may have to cut ties with Jrue Holiday or Khris Middleton for this trade. I think the Bucks could try and make a trade without including those guys. Putting Body Portis, Brook Lopez, and a couple of first-round picks could entice the 76ers into making a deal. Overall, the Bucks still have the best player in the East in Giannis Antetokounmpo. He will be coming back for vengeance this season, looking to redeem himself from last season.
