NBA free agency was about to officially begin, when — as usual — some news shook things up.
James Harden will reportedly opt into his $35.6 million deal for 2023-24, but that’s to help him get traded elsewhere. Although the rumblings about him leaving the Philadelphia 76ers were already fairly loud, this basically cements it.
And that meant NBA fans tried to put together an ideal trade package that would get him to another contender — or back to the Houston Rockets, which is just all sorts of wild. As usual, they peppered Twitter with proposals from their favorite trade machine site, which we’ve collected below:
1
A three-teamer gets him back to the Rockets
Hear me out. Harden isn’t coming to Utah, doesn’t mean we can’t get involved. Who says no? pic.twitter.com/sKaWWpmLkw
— colton: lifelong Taylor Hendricks fan (@AggieFanColton) June 29, 2023
I would think Amen Thompson is completely off the table after JUST getting drafted … right?
2
Harden to the Clippers in a massive deal involving the Knicks
4-team NBA mega trade which lands:
– Paul George and Doug McDermott to Knicks
– RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin to 76ers
– James Harden and Wizards 1st round pick to Clippers
– Evan Fournier and Pistons 1st round pick to the SpursWho says no? pic.twitter.com/QnrVyj6BNb
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) June 30, 2023
Paul George to the Knicks?! Wowee.
3
Harden to the Suns (and Dame to the Sixers)
Who says no? pic.twitter.com/AIHLnkwCv9
— Joshua Palau (@Palau) June 30, 2023
I don’t hate this at all but the Suns’ starting five would be a little too packed.
4
Harden to the Knicks
Mock Trade:
Who says no? #76ers #JamesHardenTrade pic.twitter.com/Ymg1LzhFCe
— CadeWrld (@WrldCade) June 30, 2023
It’s honestly not the worst trade for New York but I don’t think that’s what the Sixers want back.
5
Harden to the Bucks
— Ernesto (@ernestopeimbert) June 29, 2023
I think Milwaukee hangs up the phone. Jrue Holiday is so valuable to that team.
6
Harden to the Clips
I hopped in the trade machine as this tweet was sent and already had Harden/Harris/Norm/Morris in the deal. If these teams want to get this done they have to before the new CBA comes into effect. https://t.co/lWLIeVSz4B pic.twitter.com/ifq4nAWzAp
— Shervon Fakhimi (@ShervonFakhimi) June 29, 2023
Not enough for the Sixers.
7
Harden goes back to Brooklyn
From a friend, "Been playing with the trade machine, most logical spot with what everyone says is LA but this is a fun trade that I like for all 4 teams and Brooklyn sends picks to Portland." Wild and I love it! @TrueHoop @TheSteinLine @ShamsCharania #NBA #Harden #ThisLeague pic.twitter.com/fnvQyqmUQ2
— Will Fenton (@NotMyRealWorld) June 30, 2023
Now that’s a return for Philly. The Blazers, however? They might not be happy.
