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NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster James Harden trades based on NBA rumors

By Jack Simone

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 12: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 12: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades, James Harden, NBA Rumors
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster James Harden trades based on NBA rumors. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Losing Kevin Durant hurts the Brooklyn Nets in a big way. He sprained the MCL in his left knee, and reports say he won’t return for roughly 4-6 weeks.

That being said, Kyrie Irving is back, so that should help weather the storm. But Irving comes with his own drama, just recently getting fined for (pretty valid) remarks he made to a heckling fan.

That should make up the bulk of the drama going on in Brooklyn right now though right? Wrong. James Harden has found a way to get his name in the mix.

According to independent NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), via Adam Hermann of NBC Sports Philadelphia, there are rumblings around the league that Harden could be open to relocating this summer once his contract is up.

If Harden is considering leaving, would the Brooklyn Nets ever consider trading him? Almost certainly not. But it’s fun to think about! So here are three blockbuster NBA trades involving James Harden.

NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster James Harden trades based on NBA rumors – Philadelphia 76ers

76ers receive: James Harden

Nets receive: Ben Simmons, Georges Niang, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick

Considering this entire rumor stemmed from James Harden being a primary target in a Ben Simmons trade, this is the perfect place to start.

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers want Harden, and it’s easy to understand why. He would be the perfect fit as a point guard next to Joel Embiid.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets would certainly lose a beyond-crucial piece of their offense, but their defense would improve immensely. Simmons could even play some center for them – a position they are weak at.

So, while it’s highly unlikely that the Nets trade Harden, this would probably be the most realistic deal. Simmons is still an All-Star and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and a deal would definitely be offered by the Sixers.