The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a season filled with uncertainty and high stakes. After a disappointing first round exit in the playoffs, the team faced a major setback when Paul George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers . This departure left a significant hole in their lineup. Despite this, the Clippers managed to re-sign James Harden on a two-year deal worth up to $70 million , hoping to maintain their competitive edge.
The Clippers also saw significant roster changes, including the addition of Derrick Jones Jr. and the departure of Russell Westbrook, who opted into his player option but ended up on the Denver Nuggets . As the team moves into the new Intuit Dome, they aim to make a strong push in the Western Conference. However, if the Clippers struggle in the first half of the season, they might look to trade Harden to maximize their assets and focus on rebuilding. Here are three potential trade destinations for James Harden if the Clippers decide to make a move midseason.
James Harden Could Be Lethal On The Heat
Potential Trade Package
Heat receive: James Harden
Clippers receive: Terry Rozier, Highwood Highsmith, Kevin Love
The Miami Heat had a quiet offseason, making minimal moves due to financial constraints and the looming second tax apron. Their own signings included bringing back key players like Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith, and adding Alec Burks to bolster their bench. Despite these moves, the Heat are still looking for that third star to complement Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, especially after missing out on Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday last summer.
Adding James Harden to the Miami Heat would significantly elevate their offensive game. Harden, a former MVP and ten-time All-Star, would bring elite playmaking and scoring abilities to a team that has struggled offensively over the past two seasons. His ability to create shots for himself and others would seamlessly fit alongside Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Bam Adebayo. In the 2024 season, Harden averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 72 games. His presence would alleviate some of the scoring burden from Butler and Herro, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their game.
A starting lineup featuring Harden, Herro, Butler, Jovic, and Adebayo would be formidable on both ends of the floor. Harden’s experience and offensive versatility would make the Heat a more dynamic and unpredictable team, capable of competing with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, Harden’s ability to draw defenses would open up more opportunities for Adebayo and Jovic in the paint, and for Herro and Butler on the perimeter.
For the Clippers, trading away Harden would help them shed a significant salary, giving them more financial flexibility moving forward. In return, they would receive Terry Rozier, a younger and explosive scorer who can fill the void left by Harden. Rozier’s ability to score in bunches and his improved playmaking skills would make him a valuable asset for the Clippers as they look to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Haywood Highsmith would bring defensive versatility and hustle, traits that align well with the Clippers' defensive-minded approach. Highsmith’s ability to guard multiple positions and his relentless energy would provide valuable depth to the Clippers' rotation. Kevin Love, though older, still offers veteran leadership and can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, making him a useful piece in various lineup configurations.
Related: Wild Trade Idea For The Pistons: Get Evan Mobley Out Of Cleveland
A Long Trip All The Way To Toronto
Potential Trade Package
Raptors receive: James Harden
Clippers receive: Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher
The Toronto Raptors have had an interesting offseason, marked by their decision to pick up Bruce Brown's $23 million team option. Brown, acquired in a midseason trade for Pascal Siakam, is expected to be a key trade chip for the Raptors. Despite rumors and speculation, Brown has expressed his happiness in Toronto, but the Raptors are actively exploring potential trade opportunities for him before losing him for nothing in the 2025 free agency market.
Adding James Harden to the Raptors would provide a major boost to their backcourt. Harden's playmaking and scoring abilities would be a perfect fit for a team that has struggled offensively. Pairing Harden with emerging talents like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett would give the Raptors a formidable lineup capable of competing in the Eastern Conference. Harden’s experience and leadership could also help guide the young Raptors team through a competitive season.
For the Clippers, trading Harden would offer both immediate and long-term benefits. Bruce Brown is known for his defensive versatility and energy, which would fit well with the Clippers' style of play. Brown has been a consistent performer despite dealing with injuries last season. Chris Boucher would add depth to the Clippers' frontcourt with his shot-blocking and three-point shooting skills.
Shedding Harden's significant salary would provide the Clippers with more financial flexibility, allowing them to make additional strategic moves. This trade scenario addresses both teams' needs: the Raptors gain a superstar to elevate their game, while the Clippers receive valuable assets and financial relief, setting both teams up for future success.
The Jazz Could Be A Dark Horse In A Trade
Potential Trade Package
Jazz receive: James Harden, 2031 first round pick
Clippers receive: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson
The Utah Jazz have had a busy offseason, marked by a major development with Lauri Markkanen signing a significant contract extension worth approximately $238 million over five years. This extension, finalized on August 7, 2024, solidifies Markkanen as a cornerstone of the Jazz's future plans and makes him ineligible for trade this season.
The Jazz, who missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, are looking to retool their roster to become more competitive in the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, Utah remains committed to building around their young core, including Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and newly acquired John Collins. The Jazz's front office has also been active in seeking "win-now" moves, although many of these attempts, such as pursuing Mikal Bridges, did not materialize.
James Harden joining the Jazz would be a bold move that significantly boosts their backcourt. Harden's experience and playmaking abilities could help accelerate the development of Utah's young talents like Kessler and Collins. Additionally, his scoring prowess would provide the Jazz with a much-needed offensive spark.
For the Clippers, acquiring Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson would bring dynamic scoring and versatility to their roster. Sexton, known for his aggressive scoring, would help fill the void left by Harden, while Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year, would add depth and experience to their bench. This trade would also allow the Clippers to offload Harden's hefty salary, giving them more financial flexibility to make further strategic moves.
This trade scenario offers mutual benefits: the Jazz get a superstar to potentially transform their team, while the Clippers acquire valuable assets that align with their long-term goals. Both teams would be better positioned to achieve their respective aims in the competitive NBA landscape.
Related: 3 Different Starting Lineups The Clippers Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season
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