This player is James Harden, a hefty scorer, MVP, and runner-up for the same award three separate times. It is safe to say James led the Rockets for years with his impeccable scoring. He put up 30+ PPG (points per game) for the past three years and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

But as Harden’s prime is still in full effect, he wishes to distance himself from the imploding Rockets. He released the statement following Russell Westbrook releasing a similar statement and long-time Rockets GM Daryl Morey leaving for a front office job in Philadelphia. This leaves Houston with a first year head coach and GM and no superstars.

James Harden stated he would prefer the rockets trade him to either the Brooklyn Nets, or the Philadelphia 76ers. Though he only states these teams, the team will listen to other offers as they go into a full rebuild. 

Brooklyn Nets:

The Offer: 

Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert, Jarret Allen, Garret Temple, Spencer Dinwiddie, Pick 19, 2021 First Round Pick

Houston Rockets: James Harden

Why the Nets say yes: The Nets would become instant Eastern Conference favorites and most likely favorites for the championship. It was also rumored that Kevin Durant and James Harden spoke about playing together and this would fulfill their star’s wishes.

Why the Rockets say yes: The Rockets would enter a rebuild while still having decent pieces to go forward with. They would also reload on some much needed draft capital. It will be hard to beat this offer as Harden’s value dropped dramatically after he demanded to be traded. 

Philadelphia 76ers: 

The Offer:

Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, Shake Milton, Pick 21, Pick 34, Pick 36, 2022 First Round Pick

Houston Rockets: James Harden

Why the 76ers say yes: The Sixers need two things this offseason, shooting and playmaking. Ben Simmons can move the ball but he is too big to play at point guard as we saw last season. James Harden is a perfect candidate for all of the Sixers’ issues with shooting and playmaking, and with Daryl Morey in the front office anything is possible. 

Why the Rockets say yes: The Rockets would get a win-now player in Tobias Harris and several young pieces in Matisse and Shake. This trade would also bolster their draft capital and set up a brighter future. The picks are important because Houston is not a free agent destination anymore, so they will have to build out of the draft to be successful again. 

Denver Nuggets:

The Offer: 

Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Mason Plumlee, 2021 First Round Pick

Houston Rockets: James Harden

Why the Nuggets say yes: The Nuggets came back from two 3-1 deficits in last year’s playoffs so their playmaking duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic obviously works. They need a push to get them over the top. That push would be James Harden. 

Why the Rockets say yes: I’m a little more hesitant to say the Rockets like this trade, but if they see Porter Jr. as a valuable young player to build around then they may take the offer. Porter is the most talented young star they could trade for other than Ben Simmons, who the Sixers are reluctant to include in talks based on recent reports. 

New York Knicks

The Offer: 

New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis, Julius Randle, Pick 8, 2 2021 First Round Picks, 2022 First Round Pick, 2023 First Round Pick, 2025 First Round Pick

Houston Rockets: James Harden, Russell Westbrook

Why the Knicks say yes: Sure, it depletes their draft capital for the foreseeable future, but the Knicks have not been able to create a good basketball product since Carmelo Anthony, and even then they weren’t true contenders. The Paul Geroge Trade took five first round picks and swaps. Otherwise, James Harden and Russell Westbrook would thrive in one of the largest markets in the NBA. 

Why the Rockets say yes: This is a longshot, but they would have seven new first round picks and that could set them up for success later as they will not be able to compete for a while with their stars leaving. R.J. Barrett is a great young player that may blossom in a new environment, so this trade is always possible, yet improbable. 

Now, this doesn’t mean we are getting any of these stars. In all honestly, we most likely won’t, but it is still interesting to look at. 

A few things I have noticed from Knick fans with these rumors:

1) We would most certainly have to give up RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, or both in a deal for one of them. A deal of Ntilikina, Knox, and 2 future 1st round picks won’t cut it. You have to understand these are young proven stars, which we have none of. 

2) If you wouldn’t do a deal of RJ and more assets for Donovan or Mitch and more assets for Joel (and vice versa) you are insane. Even though Joel is injury prone, he is a top 2 center in the league when playing and Donovan was an all-star this year in his 3rd year with career highs in most of his stats. RJ and Mitch are young players with a bunch of potential but are definitely not proven players, and definitely are not all-stars as of now. Also, as you have seen for the past 20 years, it has been very hard for New York to attract a superstar to the Mecca, and teams don’t win championships without superstars.

 3) A trade for one of these stars could attract free agents back to the Garden, and would also bring back some sort of basketball energy to New York because these players would win many games in New York if they are surrounded by the right players. Wins have not come easily for the Knicks these past 7 years and are something all of New York has been hoping for since 2012-2013.

Leave your thoughts on these rumors below!

Derrick Rose: Detriot Pistons

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Derrick Rose is coming off one of his best NBA seasons at 18.6 PPG (Points Per Game) and 6 APG (Assists Per Game). He is shooting an incredible 49.7% from the field which would provide much needed mid-range game to a team that is in desperate need of stretching outside of 10 feet. Derrick Rose also provides ball movement and playmaking which will help bring up numbers from other stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He has recently asked for more minutes, meaning he could want a move if the pistons do not grant his wish. If this trade were to go through, He would most likely come off the bench with extended minutes, especially when Josh Richardson is off the court. The Pistons have expressed a want for a lottery-caliber pick but it is unlikely from any of the suitors currently following the negotiations of Trade, such as the Lakers. The Sixers might be able to pull off a trade with sheer young talent and an overhaul of 2nd-Round Picks.

Davis Bertans: Washington Wizards

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Davis Bertans is having a great year in 29 minutes per game. He has shot 41% from three-point land. Davis Bertans is 6 feet 10 inches tall. There isn’t much more that the Sixers could ask for in one player. He fits everything they really want in a player in height and shooting. He is currently averaging 15 PPG with the Wizards. I could see him as a fantastic bench piece to play behind Tobias Harris or Al Horford. He would most likely play with other shooters like Furkan to space out the floor for Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Davis has blossomed as a player and is 27 years old. He makes 7,000,000 dollars a year which would be fantastic for the Sixers as they have practically reached the Cap limit locking up Tobias Harris and Al Horford.

Bogdan Bogdanovic: Sacramento Kings

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At 27 years of age, Bodgan is an intriguing piece the Sixers can pursue. He is an overall good shooter, shooting 37% from three but 43% percent from the field. He has steadily increased his contribution in Sacramento with more points in his third year. However, the issue with this trade is the fact that Sacramento is not very willing to give up Bogdan. After all his 14.6 PPG compliments well off of De’aron Fox’s offense. However, Bogdon could spread the floor very well for a Sixers team in need of it. Again I dont think he can crack the starting lineup, playing behind Josh Richardson. He is on an expiring contract this year so that does entice some maneuvering if the Kings wish to keep cap room for more intriguing targets.

Denzel Valentine: Chicago Bulls

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Though not the flashiest player on this list, Denzel is suiting up to be a major target for the Sixers as he is shooting just over 40% from the field, while he is having a down year, he is just 26 and is very capable of developing under a system that could use him more that his current team. He is sitting at a career 37% which would provide some shooting off the bench for a cheaper asking price instead of the players listed above. Denzel is doing the best he has done this year with fewer minutes than before. Though he may only play a couple of minutes a game, three points are everything to a team that needs every point it can get. Possibly a second round may be close to closing out a deal for Denzel. If this is the case, then the Sixers are in luck as they have several selections, however, some of these will most likely be saved for when the draft occurs.

Though the presence of Joel Embiid was missed, the team was expected to at least keep it close. Ben Simmons played the best with 20 points and a defensive clinic. He also shot 7/10 from the field. However, the beatdown is not the subject on many fan’s minds, it is the upcoming homestretch that includes many talented teams.

On Wednesday the Heat travel North, the last time they were in Philly they themselves were blown out by a motivated Sixers led by Josh Richardson. Dallas will come into Philadelphia on Friday, the Sixers are yet to play the Mavs, but Luka Doncic is expected to be out for the game. This will increase the probability of a W for Philly. Washington will travel on a good feeling the last time these times played, beating the Sixers 119-113. The Wizards are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, this will be a chance for the Sixers to get some revenge and show defensive effectiveness.

Finally, after traveling to Detriot on the 23rd, the Sixers will play on Christmas against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Sixers have yet to play the Bucks. Though Giannas has led his team to a whopping 18-game winning streak. The game is on National TV, and rightfully so. It will most likely be a great game.

Josh Richardson

The last time Miami came into town, Josh went off for 32 points and 6/7 from beyond against his former squad. He will be an important scoring piece against all teams in the home stretch. His offensive capabilities when rolling often carry over to his defensive influence, therefore carrying the Sixers to runs and momentum. He is averaging 14.7 points a game, which is exactly what Philadelphia with all the star-power around him. He is a natural shooter and can clamp on the other, which is why he is one of the best two-way players in the league.

Predictions:

Breakout Game: Miami Heat

Stats: 31 PTS 2 AST 3 REB 3 STL

Norvel Pelle

Norvel is a young player out of the Delaware Bluecoats where he became a defensive anchor. He quite simply a blocking machine. In 14 minutes a night on the Sixers, Pelle is averaging more than 2 blocks. He has really shown out in the games he has played, such as versus the Knicks and Pelicans. In the preseason game against the Pistons, he had back-to-back blocks against former Sixer Christian Wood. He is a very likable player and he is a hard-nosed defender willing to get dunked on to block pivotal shots.

Predictions:

Breakout Game: Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 5 PTS 0 AST 5 REB 5 BLK

Al Horford

Al has been mediocre as of this point of the season, but big games are where Horford shines. Big games such as Christmas last year, where he pulled out all the stops against Embiid. Now teammates with Joel, they form a defense impenetrable inside. There comes a conflict looming. The Sixers will face the best inside player in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last time Giannis and Al Horford faced off in big games were in the 2019 Playoffs where Al seemed to have figured out the Greek Freak’s game. This is great news for the Sixers because if they can limit Giannas’s points, they will limit the Buck’s overall offensive output.

Predictions:

Breakout Game: Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 14 PTS 4 AST 12 REB 1 STL 3 BLK

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