The New York Knicks were linked to a James Harden trade soon after he requested his exit from Philadelphia, and it seems there has been little movement on that front for more reasons than just the future Hall-of-Famers preference to land with the Los Angeles Clippers.
With the draft and NBA free agency in the rearview, the only way to make major changes to an NBA roster at this part of the summer is through a trade. And Trail Blazers icon Damian Lillard and 76ers star James Harden are two big fish on the block.
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However, unlike some recent blockbuster trades, these two stars seemingly want to be sent to specific teams this summer. That may also be why there has been little traction in trade talks since their current teams have limited options. When it comes to Harden, it isn’t impossible the destinations list expands and the New York Knicks become a potential candidate to land the 10-time All-Star.
While Harden is a little different than the superstar in their prime that the Knicks prefer, he still fills a need as an elite-level wing scorer. There is no denying a trio of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and James Harden would be formidable in the Eastern Conference, however, a trade may be unlikely because the players the 76ers would want New York is likely to hand over for an aging NBA great.
New York Knicks record (’22-’23): 47-35
During a Thursday appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” league insider and former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks explained what it would take to complete a James Harden trade.
- James Harden stats (’22-’23): 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 39% 3PT
“I think it’s hard for New York if you’re just trying to get that money there if you’re not willing to give up RJ Barrett in a deal. I think Barrett would have to be probably involved in there. I think they add the pieces whether it be Isaiah Hartenstein or Immanuel Quickley, young players like that.
“I think it’s just hard to get the money to work. If you’re New York, if you had the expiring contract, you certainly have that Evan Fournier contract, would you add an Immanuel Quickley and whatever another contract to get to the money working in and a first or second-round pick? I think if you’re Philadelphia that’s what you’re looking at.”
– Bobby Marks
RJ Barrett would likely need to be included in any blockbuster trade the New York Knicks make, so giving him up in a move for Harden is highly unlikely at this juncture. However, a trade for Joel Embiid would be a very different story.