Grade the Trade: Knicks pull off James Harden blockbuster in new pitch
The New York Knicks were one of the big winners last offseason, signing Jalen Brunson away from the Dallas Mavericks and landing a tentpole star to build their roster around. That was a move that was telegraphed for months, with innumerable connections between Brunson and the Knicks setting the stage for a team-up.
In stark contrast, the Knicks might be about to make their big win this offseason in an off-the-cuff situation that no one saw coming. Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard James Harden is neither re-signing with the Sixers nor leaving for the Houston Rockets. Instead, Harden is opting into his player option with the intention of working out a trade somewhere else.
JUST IN: James Harden is opting into his $35.6 million deal for next season – in order for the 10-time All-Star and the 76ers to work together on a trade out of Philadelphia, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2023
The Knicks are in the market for a star, and they have plenty of young players, draft picks, and matching salary. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Knicks were among the teams making a push for Harden, although SNY’s Ian Begley then clarified that the organization is torn over the possibility.
Heard Knicks’ interest in James Harden, at the moment, is far from uniform throughout the organization. Clippers have strong interest in trading for Harden. Would assume LAC’s interest is stronger than NYK’s presently. ESPN 1st reported Knicks’ interest in trading for Harden
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 29, 2023
Should the Knicks make an offer for James Harden? To do so they have to figure out what would be fair value. Harden is an All-Star guard still in his prime, but he is also on an expiring contract that is not eligible to be extended; wherever Harden goes, he will hit unrestricted free agency in a year.
New York Knicks rival guard James Harden is on the trade market
While the Knicks want to be careful not to spend too much, the 76ers aren’t going to just trade him for anything. What could a deal look like, then? Let’s build it out and see if we can find something for both sides.