NBA Trades: This Bulls-Heat-Blazers-Clippers-76ers deal would be historic

By Cal Durrett | Aug 8, 2023

Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA hugs Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls after the game at United Center on February 04, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: Los Angeles Clippers

With their title window seemingly closing, the Clippers need to acquire Harden to contend in the West. Thus far, they don’t seem motivated to pursue Harden considering he isn’t the same player that he was in Houston several seasons ago. Even then, his presence and playmaking would definitely help the Clippers in the regular season when they are without stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

Adding Harden to a core that includes George, Kawhi, and Russell Westbrook may not make them better than the defending champion Denver Nuggets or even the Phoenix Suns, but it would potentially make them a top-4 team in the West. If healthy come playoff time, they have as good a chance as any team in the West to make the NBA Finals.

As to whether they’d agree to this trade proposal, giving up Morris, Batum, Covington, and two first-round picks should be an easy decision for the Clippers. At the moment, a healthy Clippers team would potentially be a low-end playoff team. This trade could change that.