NBA Trades: Proposal has Miami Heat becoming contenders with James Harden

Would the Miami Heat be contenders with James Harden?

Here’s the big question that this proposed deal comes down to – would the Miami Heat be contenders if they made such a deal? Let’s hypothetically say both the Heat and Sixers agree to this deal, it would leave Miami with such a potential rotation:

PG – James Harden/Dru Smith

SG – Tyler Herro/Josh Richardson

SF – Jimmy Butler/Caleb Martin

PF – P.J. Tucker/Nikola Jovic/Jaime Jaquez Jr. 

C – Bam Adebayo/Kevin Love/Thomas Bryant

On paper, that’s a pretty good rotation. Whether or not they could be championship-good depends on what Harden the Heat would be getting this season. And considering Harden would be playing for a new contract, there’s reason to believe that it could end up working out.

What you have to like most about a potential Harden fit with the Heat is that he wouldn’t have to be the closer for the team. That’s Jimmy Butler’s job. One of Harden’s biggest knocks is his struggles to close games in the playoffs. That’s kind of Jimmy’s strength.

I’m not sure if the Heat would be on the same level as the Bucks or Celtics after their respective moves this offseason, but this is a deal that the team may have to explore if it’s available.