Brooklyn Nets: 3 thoughts on pushing in the chips for James Harden

Darkhorse teams may abound in the trade market

While the Brooklyn Nets appear to be the frontrunners, the Philadelphia 76ers have a package including Tyrese Maxey and Ben Simmons that could be just the thing to win the James Harden trade sweepstakes.

This doesn’t even factor in other, less-heralded teams like the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets or some even darker darkhorse possibilities.

As we reach a point where the Houston Rockets and Harden have mutually crossed a line from which there is no return, other teams are going to be clamoring for involvement. If not as a primary team, receiving Harden himself, perhaps as a third or fourth team to elucidate the process.

This trade is probably coming, and it’s probably going to end up with either the Sixers or Nets taking down the big prize, but don’t be shocked if there’s some small percentage chance that an unexpected team will bolt in to try and win the day.

There’s also potential fallout to consider after a Harden trade, like whether Bradley Beal will be the next shoe to drop on the trade market. Beal’s trade value has been gaining heavy momentum while these Harden shenanigans have taken place, and we may see a team heavily in the mix for Harden pull their offer off the table and pivot towards the Washington Wizards for his services.