Five Potential Trade Destinations for James Harden

James Harden has been arguably one of the best players in the NBA for the better part of the last decade. Harden, 31, is an 8-time all-star, making it every year since 2013. He has been named to the All-NBA First Team six times. Harden has averaged 25.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game in his career. The Rockets traded away point guard, Russell Westbrook, for John Wall last week. Could Harden be the next star to be dealt out of Houston, and which five teams may be interested in the superstar?

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn has two superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but have reportedly been looking to acquire a third. The Nets will have to give up a few young pieces of the franchise if they want to land Harden. Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Taurean Prince will all likely be traded to Houston for Harden. Caris LeVert could also be traded to Houston in a potential deal, but will likely be one of two players dealt if he is a part of the trade. Expect draft picks to be included in a trade for Harden. Brooklyn definitely has a shot to land Harden with many young players possibly available for trade. 

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers need a sharpshooter on the team and Harden could be the answer. Philadelphia has Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid who are both all-stars. One of the two will probably be dealt to Houston in a trade. The 76ers could trade Tobias Harris instead, but it’s unlikely. If they did, many draft picks would be involved. Philadelphia could also trade a young piece like Matisse Thybulle. If the 76ers can somehow acquire Harden without giving up Embiid or Simmons, they will be a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. In any for Harden, Philadelphia will possibly have to trade away multiple draft selections. 

Sacramento Kings

The Kings may be a surprise team that trades for Harden. Buddy Hield could be a key piece in a Kings and Rockets trade. Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, Jabari Parker, and Richaun Holmes, could all be veterans that are mention in a potential trade. The Kings will likely have to give up draft picks in any trade for Harden. If Sacramento can somehow keep both Marvin Magley III and De’Aaron Fox, they could climb up the standings in the Western Conference. 

Chicago Bulls

Chicago is in need of another star player to play alongside Zach LaVine. Otto Porter Jr. has a large contract and could make up for the Harden’s cap hit in a deal. Coby White and Lauri Markkanen would be two young, key pieces involved in trade talks between both teams. The Bulls will have to give up a few draft picks as well. Thomas Satoransky could also be dealt to make up for Harden’s contract. The Bulls do have the assets to acquire Harden and become a playoff team once again. 

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, and don’t look like they are going anywhere. Harden could be the first piece in a trending Knicks team. Julius Randle will have to be a part of the trade to make up for Harden’s salary, but the Knicks do have young pieces that could be traded away for Harden. Kevin Knox II, Frank Ntilikina, and even RJ Barrett could be a piece in a deal. Center Mitchell Robinson may also be a player that the Rockets want in return. New York will have to give up draft selections for Harden. The Knicks are a long way away from being contenders, but trading for Harden could be the start of a new look.

James Harden could be the next player sent out of Houston. All five teams have a shot at acquiring the superstar shooting guard. James Harden may be in a new jersey for the 2020-2021 NBA season.