This proposed trade sends James Harden to the Clippers, and Zach LaVine to the 76ers.
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The Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are both two playoff teams in tough positions right now. The Clippers have dealt with injuries consistently and need another element to compete in the Western Conference, while the 76ers are a squad that needs to find a way to stay relevant after trading James Harden.
Here is a potential three-team trade that works out for both the Clippers and the 76ers. This mock trade would send James Harden to the Clippers, which are his preferred destination, as well as Zach LaVine to the 76ers.
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Jr., Jaden Springer, Brandon Boston Jr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI)
It is clear this trade package is beneficial to all three teams, with each team coming out of it feeling like they’ve won in one way or another. Here is why this deal makes sense for all three franchises.
The Los Angeles Clippers Would Land The Perfect Star To Fit With Kawhi Leonard And Paul George
In this trade, the Los Angeles Clippers would finally land James Harden, who could start at either the PG or the SG position. His playmaking and pass-first mentality would make him a great fit with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It was previously reported that James Harden has been talking with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, with it also being noted that all three are on the same page. It is clear that he is the dream acquisition for the team.
This past season, James Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game while shooting 38.5% from 3PT range. Though he isn’t necessarily a dominant scorer anymore, he can definitely be a No. 3 option on a championship-level team. If Russell Westbrook remains a starter after the trade, they could form a dynamic backcourt, though obviously, both would have to figure out ways to be less ball-dominant.
In this trade scenario, the Los Angeles Clippers would essentially have to give up Norman Powell, alongside young players and a first-round pick. Marcus Morris would be included in the deal for salary-matching purposes. Though Norman Powell is a quality sixth man, and losing him will hurt the bench, it is a small price to pay when trying to acquire a star-level player like James Harden.
The Philadelphia 76ers Remain Contenders In The Joel Embiid Era
The goal for the Philadelphia 76ers right now is obviously to remain a contender in the Joel Embiid timeline. Tyrese Maxey has already stated that the 76ers will still try to win a championship without James Harden. Adding Zach LaVine will certainly help them in that regard, as he is one of the best shooting guards in the league.
This past season, Zach LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Chicago Bulls. He is an elite perimeter scorer, particularly from the 3PT range (37.5% on 7.1 attempts per game). He seems like the perfect complement to Joel Embiid, and his shooting should open up more room for Embiid to operate.
One concern with losing James Harden and adding Zach LaVine is the relative lack of playmaking on the roster. With that being said, Tyrese Maxey has shown flashes of being a solid passer and would be able to handle the ball more in that scenario.
Giving up the expiring contract of James Harden and a first-round pick for Zach LaVine seems like a relatively low ask. It is a no-brainer if the 76ers are trying to avoid a rebuild, and adding Zach LaVine would allow them to remain contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The Chicago Bulls Land A Solid Package For Zach LaVine
In this trade scenario, the Chicago Bulls would get a good package for their franchise star. They would get a package featuring a solid veteran, young players, and multiple first-round picks for the future.
The best player in this trade package is Norman Powell, who has shown that he is a decent 3 and D guard who can also provide a small amount of shot creation. This past season, Norman Powell averaged 17.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists for the Clippers. Though he wouldn’t necessarily fit the timeline of the rebuilding Chicago squad, the team could always trade him later on since he is a valuable player.
Jaden Springer and Brandon Boston Jr. are the two young players in this trade package. Though they have not had much time to develop with their respective franchises, the Chicago Bulls would have the minutes to help them grow.
The most valuable part of this deal is obviously the future first-round pick. Both picks would be conveyed in a few years when the Clippers and the 76ers are unlikely to be contending. That means those picks could land in the lottery, and lottery picks are obviously important to any rebuild.
Overall, this trade package provides good value for the Chicago Bulls. There is no doubt that the team needs to rebuild despite the talent that is present on the roster, and we’ll see if they make a move before the start of the season.
This Deal Makes Sense For All Three Teams
There is no doubt that this deal makes sense for all three teams. The Los Angeles Clippers would push all their chips in and acquire James Harden. The Philadelphia 76ers would maintain their status as a contender by getting Zach LaVine. The Chicago Bulls would finally start their necessary rebuild.
It will be interesting to see if the three teams involved end up coming together on a deal with this framework. This multi-team trade allows each team to work towards their goals, and we’ll see what ends up happening in the future.
