An initial offer for James Harden
Assuming that the Heat would be open to the idea of taking on Harden, it may not be that difficult for the two teams to come to an agreement. In this first offer that Miami would be willing to offer the Sixers, the Heat would be taking on Harden and PJ Tucker as somewhat of a package deal. Tucker and Harden are close and it wouldn’t be that surprising if Philadelphia attempted to get out from the final year of Tucker’s contract if they could in the deal for Harden.
The Heat do have a need at the power forward position and Tucker embodies Heat culture. This is a move that may not be popular for Heat fans but getting two players that directly address the team’s biggest weaknesses (the point guard and power forward positions) can’t be viewed as a bad move.
Worth-case scenario, it doesn’t work out and the Heat is stuck with Tucker for one more season after this year and Harden comes off the books. In a way, this deal could be viewed as somewhat of a salary dump for both sides.