The NBA Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, with teams needing to make their moves by next Thursday, February 10th. We have already seen a couple of NBA trades, though there are other massive names that look like they are on the move. Today, there was news reconfirming that the Brooklyn Nets would be listening to offers for a James Harden trade.
A couple of weeks ago, there were rumblings that Harden no longer wanted to be in Brooklyn. The Nets initially said they would not be entertaining offers. Of course, this could have meant they did not like any of the offers they had received, or they could have possibly been trying to smooth things over with the superstar guard. Nevertheless, a James Harden trade is now openly available. To add to this notion, Harden is sitting out tonight with “hamstring tightness.”
With all of this in mind, here are the three most likely James Harden trade destinations ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
James Harden Trade Destinations | NBA Trade Deadline
Philadelphia 76ers
Currently, the most likely James Harden trade destination seems to be the Philadelphia 76ers. Of course, the Sixers would love Ben Simmons to be in the offer, With the Minnesota Timberwolves rumored to be interested in Simmons, we could see a three-team trade to pull off this deal. The Nets may be interested in Tyrese Maxey from Philadelphia in the trade, considering the steps forward he has taken this season.
From the Philadelphia side of things, they would absolutely love to pair Harden with Joel Embiid, who has been playing like an MVP candidate. In fact, BetOnline has Embiid as the odds favorite to win NBA MVP (+180). At both of their peaks, the Harden-Embiid duo could be deadly.
Miami Heat
Before last season’s James Harden trade to Brooklyn, Miami was one of his preferred destinations. We know how he likes to party in-season and dance his worries away. Miami would certainly fit the vibe and lifestyle he is looking to live. Much like Philadelphia, this is another trade to an Eastern Conference contender, which Brooklyn may decide not to do. However, there’s no doubt the Heat would offer a bit more knowing Harden would want to be in Miami.
The question of what the Heat give up is a big one. Last season, they seemed unwilling to move Tyler Herro for anything or anybody. If this remains true, they may not be able to pull this trade off.
Los Angeles Lakers
When discussing any move at the NBA Trade Deadline, we have to at least consider the Los Angeles Lakers. After all, LeBron typically gets what LeBron wants. With this in mind, the Lakers need to do something, and shipping Harden to the other side of the country, on a Western Conference team, may be what Brooklyn wants most.
If we’re creating storylines here, could the Nets be trading away one of Kevin Durant’s Oklahoma City teammates for another one? Los Angeles should at least be looking to trade away Russell Westbrook, and this could be their best bet in doing so.
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