James Harden requesting a trade has ignited a ton of new rumors about his destinations. It’s not like some random player requested a trade: it is James Harden, former MVP, and elite isolation scorer. Harden is one of the best in the league and every GM will at least take a look at what James Harden could offer their NBA roster.
James Harden has a list of preferred destinations, but that list is rapidly expanding to include other teams, as James Harden is mainly preoccupied with leaving the Rockets. At this point though, the Rockets don’t have to trade James Harden where he wants to go; other teams could capitalize on the Rockets’ desire for a big trade package. Here are the teams that could surprise people and come ahead in the James Harden sweepstakes by offering good deals to the Rockets for their superstar.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Receive: James Harden
Houston Rockets Receive: Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Coby White, two future first-round picks
The Bulls aren’t necessarily competing right now. But with James Harden, they could. James Harden hasn’t shown many signs of decline in the last few years and is notoriously known for being an ironman, and barely missing games. On the Chicago Bulls, Harden could have players like Lauri Markkanen and Patrick Williams, who can space the floor and offer their presence on the inside and the perimeter. They could also develop with Harden helping them, becoming even better due to his playmaking. Harden’s fit with Markkanen will particularly be interesting, as Markkanen has always been billed as a good stretch big man: definitely an upgrade on P. J. Tucker from his Houston days.
The Bulls would send out Zach LaVine and Coby White as the two main assets in this trade. Zach LaVine can start immediately for the Houston Rockets, slotting in next to John Wall and Christian Wood to make a solid team that can compete. The Rockets getting Zach LaVine would be great: while they would downgrade at SG, Zach LaVine is younger than James Harden, and they can build around him for the future. Coby White has some perimeter skills, and with a good development staff, he could nurture his burgeoning shot-creating ability. Otto Porter would match contracts and the picks would be a natural ask from the Rockets to complete this trade.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive: James Harden
Houston Rockets Receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Eric Paschall, 2021 Minnesota Timberwolves pick (1-3 protected)
The Golden State Warriors look like they need some help to get back into contention this season. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins haven’t been great the last two games, though it is worth it to say that it’s only two games into the season and they could turn it around in the future. However, every good front office is always looking for trades; if you have the chance to pair James Harden and Stephen Curry together you shoot your shot. James Harden could bring consistent scoring at the SG position, and would instantly make the Warriors a championship-caliber team. Two former MVPs on the same team is always good, even if they don’t win a championship immediately.
The Rockets would receive a king’s ransom for James Harden. Andrew Wiggins hasn’t been good to start the season, but he has been a consistent scorer for most of his career. Wiseman has been promising as a center, making smart cuts and showing his shooting ability. Eric Paschall made All-Rookie after the 2019-20 season and could improve given a bigger role. The pick is a key asset here: the Warriors give up the Minnesota Timberwolves pick so that the Rockets would get a chance to select a good prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft, which is slated to be one of the best in recent memory.
New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: James Harden
Houston Rockets Receive: RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox
The Knicks aren’t an obvious destination for James Harden. Simply put, they haven’t been able to compete in the past few years due to some awful front-office management. However selecting Obi Toppin seems to be a good choice for the future, and Mitchell Robinson is a promising defensive center. James Harden’s ability to make plays for his teammates could help the New York Knicks’ bigs unlock another level to their game, similar to the way Harden helped Clint Capela in Houston on the offensive end. James Harden being traded to the Knicks wouldn’t be an ideal contending situation, but once he gets there, moves could be made to accommodate Harden’s desire for a championship.
The Houston Rockets could possibly take this package to rebuild for the future. RJ Barrett is looking star-like to start the season, and Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox could still develop into good 3 and D players for the future. Julius Randle would be mostly there for the salary; with his offensive style though, he could easily be a good 6th man on the Rockets. While this package doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, it is just a solid package: no more and no less. James Harden on the Knicks would truly be a surprise to many: but it could happen if the Knicks believe in RJ Barrett and want solid players for the future.
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