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

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 02: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets greets Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers after the game at Barclays Center on February 02, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 124-120, 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster James Harden trades based on NBA rumors – LA Clippers

Clippers receive: James Harden

Nets receive: Paul George, 2023 Second-Round Pick

If there’s anywhere James Harden might want to play most it’s his hometown. He’d get the chance to play alongside Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the depth in LA.

The LA Clippers should only ever consider this (very unrealistic, fantasy) trade if they got a long-term commitment from Harden. Otherwise, this would be absolutely foolish.

But if Harden wanted to play there long-term, there’s an argument to be had that his playstyle would fit better with Leonard’s than Paul George’s does. Leonard has always wanted to play with a point guard, as the reports say.

For the Brooklyn Nets, this would give them some stability long-term. George is under contract for a while, and they would still have an elite big three to roll out.

The loss of playmaking would definitely hurt, especially when Kyrie Irving can’t play, but the talent would be there. That much isn’t debatable.

Kevin Durant and George would make up a lethal one-two punch, and George would even help improve their play on the defensive side of the floor.

Again, Harden is not getting traded, and none of these trades are going to happen anytime soon. But if Harden wanted out, dealing him for George wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Next. 2 blockbuster Jayson Tatum trades to shake up the Celtics. dark