Top 3 Trade Destinations For James Harden

The NBA's silly season hit with full force on Thursday, as the latest superstar- wanting-a-trade bomb has dropped with the stunning news that James Harden has asked out of Philadelphia. 

With that, we look at the three most likely destinations for the 10-time All-Star. Reports have a deal to be going down in short order, even before the start of free agency on Friday at 6pm. 

Los Angeles Clippers

This seems to be the big one that many insiders are hearing, as Harden would look to join forces with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to try his hand at a Big 3 yet again (the last one, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, didn't go so well).

The Clippers are interested in James Harden, per @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/bMcm5u4DeP

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 29, 2023

One report, from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, reveals that the Clippers and Sixers have been in contact this week, with LA approaching Philadelphia on separate ideas of trading for James Harden and Tobias Harris, in addition to discussions around Norm Powell and Marcus Morris.

New York Knicks

Always count the Knicks in as a potential destination when a big star becomes available.

Heard Knicks’ interest in James Harden, at the moment, is far from uniform throughout the organization. Clippers have strong interest in trading for Harden. Would assume LAC’s interest is stronger than NYK’s presently. ESPN 1st reported Knicks’ interest in trading for Harden

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 29, 2023

But according to Knicks insider Ian Begley, there isn't uniform agreement across the Knicks front office about trading for Harden. Would he fit with their ball-dominant lead guard Jalen Brunson? 

Phoenix Suns

This rumor is out there, but is somewhat laughable, as Kevin Durant was disgusted with the way Harden dogged it in Brooklyn to work his way out of town in the 2021-22 season, forcing the Nets into taking on dead-weight Ben Simmons and tanking their chances. In addition, the Suns would need to find a third team to take on Deandre Ayton to make the salaries work, and find assets to head to Philadephia.

Stay tuned, this all could hit the fan in short order. 

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports