We’re coming into the again part of Week 1 of the 2023-24 NBA season and James Harden remains to be in the hunt for a new house. While the Los Angeles Clippers are his most popular vacation spot and feature reportedly halted negotiations for the time being, different groups may turn out to be fascinated about obtaining him within the extra fast long term. Fringe playoff groups want to keep away from being at the out of doors having a look in as soon as the postseason rolls round whilst respectable contenders are hoping so as to add a final touch for a deep name run. The disgruntled Harden may well be useful to each scenarios and now we have defined circumstances for why two groups will have to imagine bringing him in.
The Timberwolves had been a play-in workforce remaining 12 months and wish to do the whole thing they may be able to to make a actual push with Anthony Edwards because the face of the franchise. The 22-year-old wing drew some Harden comparisons out of school and Minnesota may use a participant who places extra power on defenses working at level guard. Harden hasn’t been a go-to scorer in years, however he did lead the league in assists in line with sport remaining season and his playmaking may receive advantages a number of Timberwolves.Â
Harden’s pairing with Tyrese Maxey labored wonders proper off the bat. The Kentucky product feasted off open appears to be like following his arrival in Philly and has transformed 45.3% of his 3-pointers and 49.5% of his box objectives thru 68 profession video games with him. Edwards frequently has all eyes on him as his workforce’s best constant risk off the dribble. Harden’s introduction talents may unfastened him up for fewer compelled pictures and strengthen Minnesota’s offensive float as a complete. Then there is Karl-Anthony Towns, who is thrived as one of the most league’s premier capturing bigs in recent times. Harden stays a pick-and-roll savant able to find KAT spot-up alternatives and choosing out the extra restricted Rudy Gobert simple lobs for finishes across the rim.
Minnesota additionally has the group of workers to make up for Harden’s defensive shortcomings. Jaden McDaniels is rising as one of the most NBA’s up-and-coming 3-and-D gamers. His effort, athleticism, and anticipation make him a nice have compatibility with Harden whilst Gobert protects the paint. Those two and Edwards had been a part of the five-man Timberwolves lineup that boasted a defensive ranking of 104.6 over 260 mins (17 video games) remaining season.
The 76ers just about toppled the new-look Milwaukee Bucks of their season opener and may get this deal carried out in go back for Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson, and a few draft capital. Getting some veteran improve is best than not anything for Philly and a distinction maker at level guard may imply the sector to the Timberwolves in a Western Conference that is teeming with famous person energy towards the highest.
The Miami Heat neglected out at the Damian Lillard sweepstakes and it is transparent that they may nonetheless use an improve at level guard. Harden seems to be the one famous person in the marketplace and Miami should not have to fork up up to they’d have for Lillard. The Heat have sufficient portable belongings and ability to make a deal paintings.
The 76ers would almost definitely like to begin any person rather than De’Anthony Melton with Maxey within the backcourt and 37-year-old Kyle Lowry almost definitely is not the solution. That’s the place 23-year-old Tyler Herro enters the dialog. The younger duo could be a hindrance on protection in combination however have quite a lot of offensive versatility as scorers and facilitators. Caleb Martin and draft capital may assist sweeten that deal, as breakout efficiency from remaining 12 months’s playoffs used to be eye-opening. He’s a competent scorer who can shield more than one positions and assist in making up for the truth that P.J. Tucker provides the 76ers little to not anything on offense.
This deal would convey Miami a extra dynamic participant at level guard and provides him an atmosphere the place he will also be at the court docket with no less than one All-Defensive caliber participant always. Shooters like Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love may give Harden with environment friendly shops at the perimeter. Miami has exceeded expectancies within the postseason for years however may use a 3rd piece to take them excessive. Could Harden be the solution?