The Miami Heat sweetens the offer
Even though the Philadelphia 76ers probably won’t be negotiating with the Miami Heat from a place of leverage, there is a chance that the Sixers ask the Heat to up their offer. And after missing on two big stars earlier in the offseason, with a clear need to upgrade their roster, it wouldn’t be that surprising if the Heat obliged. In this deal, the Heat would be targeting James Harden alone. No PJ Tucker this time around. In exchange, Miami would still have a future first-round pick involved along with Jaime Jaques Jr. and the expiring contract of Kyle Lowry.
If the Sixers were offered such a deal, this is something they should accept and run. Effectively getting two first-round picks and still a playable point guard in Lowry, this may end up being as close to a best-case scenario that the Sixers may get in exchange for Harden.
There is plenty of disbelief that any deal for Harden will bring back this much return. However, the Heat are desperate and would need to sacrifice one of their young players. Miami seems to be more excited about Nikola Jovic’s potential at the moment, so they’d work to keep him out of this deal.