NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for James Harden to win championship

No. 3 James Harden trade destination: Miami Heat

Harden jogging off to play with Jimmy Butler in Miami would probably sting for Joel Embiid more than anybody else. The basketball fit is admittedly a bit wonky, but Harden’s an obvious star talent who elevates those around him. If the Heat strike out on Damian Lillard — a massive if right now — Harden is a logical pivot.

Miami can’t offer the Sixers much of anything either, but at some point leaning into shooting around Embiid with players like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson (plus some future assets) could be Philly’s best option. Harden is different from Ben Simmons in that his contract expires next summer, so the Sixers might not be able to afford the same long holdout.

The Heat would essentially move Jimmy Butler off the ball, which could benefit Butler as he ages beyond his prime. Jimmy’s lack of 3-point shooting is a definite concern, but he’s such a winning player — and Erik Spoelstra is such a crafty coach — that it’s hard to do much doomsaying about the idea of Harden joining the reigning conference champs.

Harden would spoon-feed Bam Adebayo easy looks at the rim. He would spray the ball all over the floor to Miami’s open shooters. Philadelphia’s 3-point shooters all got more efficient after Harden’s arrival because he generates so many clean looks. The Heat struggled to get shots to fall during the regular season. Harden is a boon.

The culture fit here is probably the biggest potential holdup for Miami. The Heat are notoriously rigorous with conditioning; Harden, not so much. Plus, Harden’s potential off-court distractions multiply tenfold in South Beach, but that’s part of the deal with Harden. The man lives his life and he generally performs well, so that shouldn’t keep Miami up at night.