Last week, NBA superstar James Harden added the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks to the list of teams he would be keen on playing for in the new season.
While his two preferred destinations remain as the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no doubt that Harden will play for whoever gives him the best opportunity to further his already illustrious career and to win a championship – As well as the team that is willing to give the Rockets the best deal.
So which teams will be able to give the shooting guard the best chance for success, and the Rockets the replacement they need? TIBS News gives a breakdown.
Houston Rockets (NO TRADE)
Rating: 3/10
Harden has enjoyed a lot of personal success in his time with Houston, but in having rejected a hefty contract extension this offseason, it has become clear that the former MVP’s time in Texas is ending.
There is little left for him to achieve there, and at 31-years-old, Harden knows he must begin actively searching for a championship team to which he can contribute.
The California native has been with the Rockets since 2018 and has not been able to get further than the Conference finals in that time, despite even pairing up with Russell Westbrook again last season.
It therefore seems unlikely that John Wall and Boogie Cousins can bring anything different to the city.
James Harden wants out, and he wants a championship, and the last thing he wants is to be forced to take a backseat to John Wall in a city he has run for almost a decade. Harden’s no longer a good fit for the Rockets.
Brooklyn Nets
Trade Rating: 4/10
The Nets had a disappointing 2019/20 campaign, finishing seventh in the East and bowing out of the playoffs after a 4-0 loss to the Raptors.
However, considering they played the entire season without their two superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and in the bubble without a further couple playmakers (Spencer Dinwiddie and Deandre Jordan), the Nets are set to be the biggest threat to a Lakers repeat upon their return in 2020. Sending two or three of their secondary players to Houston for Harden would surely turn the Nets into favourites on paper.
However, in reality the deal is a lot riskier. It is no secret that Kyrie and Harden each have ‘ball hogging’ tendencies and it is difficult to look past the locker room issues that this may cause. Kyrie has clashed with teammates in the past, and taking a backseat role to Durant already, he will not like the prospect of being demoted in the event that a deal is reached for ‘The Beard’.
Trade wise, the Rockets will expect a lot in return, having their eyes set on either one of the Nets’ two superstars. Since KD has already expressed his eagerness to take the court with the Aussie, it is hard to imagine this trade leaving the Nets in a better place than if it never happened.
Milwaukee Bucks
Trade Rating: 5/10
The Bucks have had a busy offseason already, and now they too have been named a preferred destination by James Harden.
Like the Rockets, the Bucks’ main superstar has been rumoured as a trade target this offseason, with many speculating Giannis Antetokounmpo was to make his own way to Miami.
The activity they have had this offseason means that despite the fit, the logistics may just eliminate any chance of a trade happening.
If a trade is to happen in the coming weeks, the Bucks will be unable to include any of the players they have acquired this offseason in it and will have to free up millions in cap space.
While a trade remains possible, it is not as attractive as those that could be offered up by the Sixers and Heat.
But if the Bucks can make a deal happen, is the fit worth it? Well, while Giannis and Harden have clashed in the past as competitors and could well continue to as they battle for dominance.
The arrival of the Rocket in Milwaukee could put the Bucks up there with the Nets and Lakers and in doing so keep Giannis in town for a couple more years.
Miami Heat
Trade Rating: 6/10
Coming off a spectacular and no doubt unexpected run in the bubble, which saw them take two wins in the finals before bowing out to the Lakers, the Heat seem as if they are just one superstar away from again competing with the giants of the league.
The Miami Heat took a risk with Jimmy Butler, who likewise was labelled a locker-room issue in Philly. Therefore, they could do the same with Harden, in the hopes that he too offers the same return.
But while Harden would be a great threat, it does not seem likely. Despite Tyler Herro to Houston being a possibility (and among the most compelling deals offered by any team). The Heat have a good thing going in South Beach, and since they already have a well-established, youthful core and confident shooters which they seem committed to, it might not be worth switching up just yet.
That said, trading Harden could definitely mean a quicker route to success, and a young talent like Herro would be a great addition for the rebuilding Rockets. But like with Brooklyn, it is a big ask for Harden and Butler to share the spotlight.
Philadelphia 76ers
Trade Rating: 9/10
At this point in time, Harden to the Sixers seems the most viable option. The struggles faced by the Philadelphia 76ers over the past seasons are no secret.
In Philly, Harden can offer a fresh start, a building block, and a chance to take their game up a level. In return, Philly offers a promising shot at success, and an opportunity for the Rockets star to be the ringleader once again, while being surrounded by talent.
The edge here is also that Harden poses no threat to team chemistry, as the 76ers have suffered through internal issues for several seasons.
The opportunity for change means the 76ers also have the possibility of including Ben Simmons in the deal if necessary. This would be the strongest deal on the table overall, as well as removing a long-term locker room problem from the franchise.
This would leave Harden in Philadelphia with Joel Embiid, where the duo would nicely complement each other’s skillsets, which makes them easier to build around.
Such a fit should help restore the chemistry which has long been missing in ‘The City of Brotherly Love’.
By Kit Mcintosh
