Philadelphia 76ers: How to make a trade for James Harden work

Verdict

So, who wins this trade?

The Philadelphia 76ers are getting the better player in James Harden but at 31 years of age, could Harden only have maybe two or three years at a high level before he begins to fall off? Harden has been criticized in the past for not taking care of his body to the best of his ability but if he is playing this well, does it matter?

On the other side of the argument, James Harden’s game has never been predicated on athleticism, his game is all technique, footwork, and concentration. He could easily play at a high level for many more years to come, but Ben Simmons is only 24 years old and is an All-NBA and All-Defensive Team performer.

Is Houston getting the better deal? Houston gets picks back after losing a lot of them trading for Russell Westbrook. They get a good player in Josh Richardson to step into Harden’s place. Richardson is not James Harden but he still is a good starting quality shooting guard.

The real asset is Ben Simmons. The Rockets have a team that covers Simmons’s weaknesses (shooting), and with no real center on the roster, Simmons is free to make his way to the rim without the thought of it being clogged. A huge win for Simmons and potentially an even bigger one for the Rockets.

Adjustments will have to be made to maximize Simmons but the Rockets have the bones of a team that could suit Simmons’s style of play well.

So who wins? Both teams.

Short Term? The 76ers win short term as they spread open the floor and potentially unlock their offense. Harden and Embiid become a formidable duo and the 76ers more than likely make a deep playoff run.

Long Term? The Houston Rockets win long term unquestionably.

They regain assets, they land a superstar who is going to be the face of the franchise for the next decade and they become a destination for other superstars when all of the Rockets’ contracts expire (minus Ben Simmons).

An unusual win-win for both franchises and it gives both teams a better chance at success than what they are currently doing now.