This blockbuster trade would send James Harden to the Boston Celtics.

Though we often see stars end up at their desired destinations when they ask for a trade, there are times when they end up landing somewhere completely unexpected. That could potentially happen with a star that is on the trade market this offseason.

Guard James Harden requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers after opting into his $35.6 million player option, and he notably wants to go to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the 76ers could decide to simply take the best offer, as the Clippers have reportedly not been serious about pursuing Harden. Perhaps a team like the Boston Celtics could step in, and offer a package featuring two quality veterans for Harden’s services.

Boston Celtics Receive: James Harden, Furkan Korkmaz

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White

This deal would definitely be a solid one from the Philadelphia 76ers’ perspective, and there are reasons for James Harden to like a Boston Celtics move. Let us dive into it down below.

James Harden Could Seriously Compete For A Championship With The Boston Celtics

Though the Boston Celtics wouldn’t be James Harden’s preferred destination, they are clearly a team that is in need of his services. Though Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both elite players, the team lacks a floor general that can set up teammates while also being a quality No. 3 option for the team. Enter James Harden.

This past season with the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, while shooting 38.5% from 3PT range. Though he is no longer the sort of dynamic scorer he was during his time with the Houston Rockets, there is no doubt that James Harden’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set means that he can thrive next to other elite scorers. That would be his situation on the Boston Celtics, who have Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. From a basketball perspective, the Boston Celtics should be a dream fit for James Harden.

Though the Boston Celtics would have to give up two key veterans to land James Harden, the potential upside for the team is absolutely worth it. It is clear that this current iteration of the team is missing an x-factor that can help them win a championship. When rotations shorten in the playoffs, it is the talent that wins you games. James Harden could be the right lead guard for the Boston Celtics, and perhaps we will see them target the guard in the future.

The Philadelphia 76ers Would Get Some Quality Veteran That Can Help Them Compete With Joel Embiid

Even though trading James Harden for anything less than a star-level return would be suboptimal, at some point, the 76ers have to pull the trigger on a deal if it gives them good enough value. James Harden could easily play out the 2023-24 season and leave for nothing in 2024 free agency, and that is the outcome that the Philadelphia 76ers need to avoid at all costs.

The Boston Celtics would give the Philadelphia 76ers two rotation quality players, who can help the team in the backcourt. Malcolm Brogdon is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, and though he took a backseat on the Celtics, he can definitely slot into a larger role as a starting guard. Last season, Malcolm Brogdon averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting a blistering 44.4% from 3PT range. Brogdon is also comfortable playing off-ball, which bodes well for Tyrese Maxey’s development.

Derrick White is a solid two-way guard, and in this scenario, White would likely come off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers. With that being said, he could potentially be in the team’s closing lineup, as his defense is extremely valuable in high-stakes situations.

It is hard to see any team giving up anything close to a star-level player or high-level prospect for James Harden on an expiring contract. The Boston Celtics could essentially outbid any other offer by giving up Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White, and this is likely the best the Philadelphia 76ers will get in a potential deal.

James Harden Could Be A Difference-Maker For The Boston Celtics

Whenever a star like James Harden becomes available, teams should at least consider the option of adding them if it is feasible from a financial and asset standpoint. As of right now, James Harden’s trade value is lower due to his contract situation. This is the perfect opportunity for the Boston Celtics to add talent and increase the team’s ceiling. Though there is obviously the chance of James Harden leaving for nothing at the end of the season, if the team is winning, then Harden will likely want to stay.

The Philadelphia 76ers need to get players that can contribute immediately in exchange for James Harden since they have MVP Joel Embiid on the roster. Their goal should be to compete immediately, and any James Harden trade should go toward that goal. If they can get Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White for James Harden then that’s a win for the franchise, especially since they can make other moves involving those two players in the future.

It remains to be seen if the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics end up coming together on this potential trade. As of right now, the Boston Celtics have not been reported as being interested in James Harden. However, the guard could end up helping them out in a No. 3 or No. 4 option role, and it would be interesting to see him as a true pass-first player.