4. Harden comes to LA and brings some help
The two sides are rumored to be at a standstill. James Harden’s trade request happened months ago, but the Clippers are unwilling to bid against themselves. Philadelphia wants multiple first-round picks and Terance Mann, which is a hefty price to pay for a straight rental.
If the Sixers need two firsts to make the deal, they may need to expand the trade to give the Clippers more help. P.J. Tucker is a proven veteran who guards multiple positions. He can help cover for Harden on defense, and the Clippers might want Danuel House Jr. too. The trade gets a bit wild at that point but could look something like this.
Daryl Morey and the 76ers front office would likely immediately begin calling other teams to find Joel Embiid a co-star. They could just make this a three-team trade, but finding the partner has been impossible.
The LA Clippers would love to add Harden, but they are not going to sacrifice all of their assets when nobody else is bidding. It leaves Philadelphia in a difficult spot, and the simplest solution to getting a second draft pick is offering another asset in the deal. This would be a massive gamble, but that is what it will take for both franchises to become legitimate title contender.