Houston Rockets: 3 Trades that would land James Harden on the 76ers

There are rumors that the Philadelphia 76ers are targeting former Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni in an effort to lure James Harden to the City of Brotherly Love.

The NBA rumor mill never stops and never ceases to amaze, with the latest reports out of Philadelphia indicating that the Sixers are eyeing a trade for Houston Rockets’ star James Harden.

Before any more words are spent on the subject, it needs to be reiterated that this is simply a rumor.

The reports indicate that the Sixers are keen on hiring Mike D’Antoni and feel his presence could lure James Harden out of Houston. The Sixers still haven’t hired D’Antoni, and there is no indication that Harden wants a reunion.

NBA trade rules are strident about how much salary teams can add when they are above the NBA salary cap. Next season’s cap is projected to be in the realm of $115 million, and the Rockets and Sixers are both well above that figure for next season.

Philadelphia has $147 million in salary commitments, and the Rockets have $130 million. For any trade to work, the finances will be incredibly tricky, which increases the likelihood that a third team would have to be involved in sealing the deal.

The Rockets would be crazy to move Harden, the league’s most unstoppable scorer, but they haven’t reached the Finals and are an aging team without any young studs on the horizon to refresh the roster.

If the Sixers did come calling, what could they offer for Harden? And should the Rockets even listen? Let’s examine some of the possible deals Philly could conjure up and the direction each would send the Rockets. 

Next: Trade No. 1