Grade the trade idea: LA Clippers receive James Harden in blockbuster trade
The LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers benefit from a trade including James Harden.
If the LA Clippers land James Harden via trade this offseason, they will quickly become the title favorites. No team across the NBA, let alone the Western Conference, has the two-way power to stop Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and then have to worry about Harden on the offensive end. This squad would simply be unfair.
For the LA Clippers’ front office, this trade package makes perfect sense. They are able to retain their two franchise pieces in a proposal that lands a top-20 player. They are utilizing their leverage to their advantage, putting the 76ers’ front office in the hot seat. Another benefit the Clippers gain from this trade is the possibility that Harden does resign next offseason. However, this depends on how the next 12 months pan out and where LA finishes in the title race.
On the flip side, the 76ers bring in three new players who can add depth to their Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid duo. This was a problem for the 76ers last season, causing them to lose in the second round to the Boston Celtics. Norman Powell, in particular, will rise as a promising contributor next to the reigning MVP.
This trade also gives the 76ers a seasoned veteran in Marcus Morris Sr., who is desperately looking for a new city. He can space the floor next to Embiid and provide depth at the wing position. Amir Coffey may also be a forgotten piece in this package, as he is a young star with breakout potential. He could emerge as one of their primary scoring options with a new coach in Philadelphia.
dark. Next. How the Clips' can trade Morris to become title threats