NBA Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of Philadelphia 76ers not trading James Harden

Pros of not trading James Harden

The decision to not trade James Harden before the start of the season, considering he made a trade demand at the start of the offseason, is certainly going to come with its respective risks. However, at least from the team’s perspective, there are also some potential reasons why they shouldn’t automatically give in to his demand. We’ll call these “pros.”

Pro No. 1: James Harden gives the Sixers the best chance to win a championship 

Let’s be honest here for a minute. Even with a fully healthy James Harden on the roster, the Sixers don’t have a great chance to win the Eastern Conference. They’re still likely behind the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference hierarchy and possibly behind the Miami Heat too if they can land Damian Lillard before the start of the season.

That said, without Harden on the roster, the Sixers don’t have any chance to win the East. Harden’s presence on the roster at least gives the Sixers a fighting chance to make a deep run in the playoffs. Keeping Harden, even for just one more season, opens up so much for the Sixers. Especially this season.