The framework of a James Harden to LA trade
It’s almost impossible to predict what exactly the asking price would be from the Philadelphia 76ers, but you can’t imagine that it would be all that much. More than anything, this is an experimental roll of the dice that the Clippers would be making. If anything, the most difficult part of making this deal work will be matching money and getting to a place where the Sixers aren’t taking on any dead salaries.
With that said, let’s begin by saying Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are off-limits. I think that’s a fairly easy thing to assume. There is one clear pathway that makes a lot of sense to a deal, and it centered around Norman Powell and Marcus Morris. Powell is a positive asset and could be a valuable target for the Sixers. Morris is an expiring deal and would be off the books after this season.
Though, with PJ Tucker already on the roster, he could be viewed as somewhat of a dead salary. Because of that, the Sixers could demand two future second-round picks or a future first-round pick, which would almost have to be highly protected.
Either way, this seems like a deal that could work for both sides. It’s far from an ideal situation for the Sixers, but making the best out of it is what they’ll try to do. And Powell is a solid get for a team that will need help on the wing if they move forward with trading Harden.