The Hypothetical Trade

76ers Receive: James Harden

Rockets Receive: Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Mike Scott, 2021 1st Round Pick, 2023 1st Round Pick, 2026 1st Round Pick

Harden would be forming one of the most lethal “Big Threes” that the NBA has ever seen in this trade. A trio of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Harden would be very difficult to beat. That, of course, assumes that they would make the concessions necessary to fit together.

In this trade, the Rockets would be getting the kind of return that they want for Harden. They would get Harris, who can help them compete now, along with a solid young talent in Thybulle. Adding in three first-round picks would be a necessity in any Harden trade.

This might not be enough to make Houston pull the trigger. But, if the 76ers don’t want to trade Simmons or Embiid, this is the best package that could be offered.

Let’s take a closer look at this trade for both the 76ers and Rockets and why they should pull the trigger on the deal if it is on the table.