NBA rumors: Much like Damian Lillard’s situation with the Portland Trail Blazers, James Harden is still in the midst of a holdout with his current team, the Philadelphia 76ers. We all know that the former league MVP wants out and that the Los Angeles Clippers are his preferred destination. However, the Sixers and the Clippers just haven’t found a way to make a deal work.
NBA Rumors: Celtics Hijack James Harden Deal in Wild Scenario
With all this dillydallying, other teams in the NBA could potentially step in and offer a trade package to the Sixers that would make them think twice about their stern asking price for the 10-time All-Star.
Lee Tran of Fadeaway World suggests that that team could be the Boston Celtics. With Harden in the mix, the Celtics will be able to form one of the most fearsome Big 3s in the NBA with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Boston has been knocking on the door of a championship over the past few years, and James Harden could be the missing piece that finally takes them over the hump.
Tran points out that the fact that Harden is set to become a free agent next summer makes him a potential one-year rental for Boston. However, this could also work in the Celtics’ favor:
“As of right now, James Harden’s trade value is lower due to his contract situation. This is the perfect opportunity for the Boston Celtics to add talent and increase the team’s ceiling. Though there is obviously the chance of James Harden leaving for nothing at the end of the season, if the team is winning, then Harden will likely want to stay,” Tran wrote.
NBA Rumors: What Will Celtics Need to Give Up for James Harden?
The biggest reason why James Harden is still in Philly right now is because the Sixers have refused to budge on their trade demands for the 33-year-old. Tran suggests, however, that the Celtics could create a package centered around Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon.
Tran admits that this exchange would not exactly be in the same region as the massive haul the 76ers have been demanding. However, the fact that they’re adding two quality veterans to their backcourt to replace Harden could make Philly think twice about this offer. Malcolm Brogdon is coming off a Sixth Man of the Year title, while Derrick White has been killing it in the offseason, and could be on the brink of a breakout campaign.
Much like the Celtics, the Sixers are one or two pieces away from being a legitimate threat to the title. Brogdon and White are no stars, but alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Philly might just be able to take it to the next level.
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