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5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive

By Christopher Kline

James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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CJ McCollum (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
CJ McCollum (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

No. 3 player 76ers could acquire in Harden trade: CJ McCollum

The Pelicans have a bounty of trade assets and a core ready to contend. While New Orleans is hardly a destination by NBA franchise standards, Harden could be won over by the star power of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, not to mention the beautiful and culturally rich locale. The Pelicans have all the pieces necessary to win; Harden could push them over the hump.

For the Sixers, any trade would realistically be built around CJ McCollum. There are imminent and unavoidable defensive concerns tied to a McCollum-Maxey backcourt, but the Sixers would have more than enough firepower to rack up wins in the regular season. Plus, players like De’Anthony Melton, Patrick Beverley, and P.J. Tucker (not to mention Joel Embiid) can help fill the gaps.

McCollum has regressed somewhat from his prime days in Portland, but he’s still a deadly scorer with an appreciably diverse skill set. He’s comfortable moving without the ball or shooting on the move, making him an instant fit with Embiid. Put him in pick-and-rolls and he’s comfortable handling the distributive responsibilities of a traditional point guard, something the Sixers will need sans Harden.

The 31-year-old McCollum averaged 20.9 points and 5.7 assists on 54.1 TS% last season. He takes a lot of 3s, he’s a better passer than the first two names on the list, and while he’s not the most experienced postseason winner, McCollum does have positive leadership traits. He’s the president of the player’s association and demands respect in the locker room.