The Whiteboard: Wild James Harden trades to set your imagination on fire

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James Harden has finally reported to Houston and, assuming he tests COVID-negative, should be practicing soon. But the writing is still legibly etched into the wall and it’s clear he has no desire to play for the Rockets this season. Harden was reportedly interested in a trade to the Nets but that seems dead in the water. He’s also reportedly mentioned the 76ers but Daryl Morey has publicly remained committed to the Ben Simmons – Joel Embiid tandem and there are rumors that Tillman Fertitta might not sign off on a deal that has Harden reuniting with Morey,

With those two deals off the table, finding a workable trade for James Harden requires a significant amount of imagination.

Trading James Harden to the Golden State Warriors

It’s not clear how interesting this package would actually be to the Rockets, especially since they’ve just invested a lot of money in Christian Wood and Harden would be headed to a chief rival. But the Warriors could offer Andrew Wiggins’ big contract, James Wiseman and the Timberwolves’ top-three protected pick 2021 first-round pick. They’d have to wait until Dec. 26 to complete the deal because there’s a 30-day period between when a rookie signs their contract and when they can be traded. But the Rockets would get a high-value prospect, a high future pick and a rotation player on the wings who could keep them competitive this season. The Warriors get a perfect replacement for Klay Thompson and a chance to go all-in on another title.

Trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers

If the Rockets want to go for spite, dealing Harden to the Cavs would certainly fit the bill. It would probably be a no-brainer for the Cavs as there is no guarantee that anyone on their current roster becomes even close to as good as Harden. The Rockets could get Kevin Love for the sake of present-day competitiveness, potentially their choice between Collin Sexton or Darius Garland for the future, and one (or both) of the two first-round picks the Cavs hold for next season (their own and Milwaukee’s).

Trading James Harden to the Milwaukee Bucks

This would be a big gamble for the Bucks in their quest to convince Giannis Antetkounmpo to sign a supermax extension, but they could offer Khris Middleton and D.J. Wilson to the Rockets. Houston ceiling gets lower but they’re probably still a playoff team, picking up a (slightly) younger, cheaper All-Star with more two-way value. I’m not sure Harden makes the Bucks better, given the defensive trade-off and how much Harden would have the ball in his hands. But it certainly would make them different and more interesting and if it keeps Giannis in Milwaukee, it’s worth it.

Trading James Harden to the Indiana Pacers

If the Pacers want to swing for the fences, they could offer up Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner. Again, losing two very good players for one elite one might not improve the Pacers but there’s a chance it lifts their ceiling a lot. The Rockets meanwhile could theoretically still be a darkhorse championship contender with a Wall-Oladipo-Tucker-Wood-Turner starting lineup, assuming everyone stays healthy and productive.

Trading James Harden to the Chicago Bulls

I am not sure what on the Bulls roster would interest the Rockets the most but a trade built around either Zach LaVine or Lauri Markkanen, with additional future draft capital and/or young players like Wendell Carter Jr. or Coby White works from a salary cap standpoint and is at least somewhat plausible as an exchange of value. The Bulls are actively transforming their roster and this could accelerate the rebuild. For the Rockets, there are plenty of ways they could stay a top tier team in the West and keep their future bright.

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