Grade the Trade: Mavs land James Harden in mock 4-team Damian Lillard megadeal

Grade the trade for the Philadelphia 76ers

Unfortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s looking like their plan to keep James Harden heading into the season might backfire, as the star point guard clearly has no interest in being there. This trade might be their best bet.

Incoming: Tyler Herro, Tim Hardaway Jr., 2029 1st-Round Pick Swap (via MIA)

Outgoing: James Harden, Furkan Korkmaz

As of now, the only team that has registered any real interest in Harden has been the LA Clippers, and even they don’t seem to keen on budging when it comes to their offer.

And even if they gave up their best possible package, it still wouldn’t beat this one, unfortunately, as Tyler Herro is better than everyone in LA not named Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, both of whom aren’t going anywhere.

Throughout the Damian Lillard trade saga, Herro has quickly become underrated. The 23-year-old averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this past season while shooting 43.9% from the field and 37.8% from deep.

He has All-Star potential and would be able to slot in nicely as the 76ers’ new starting shooting guard, playing next to Tyrese Maxey (in a less-than-stellar defensive backcourt).

Tim Hardaway Jr. would be an okay bench piece for the 76ers, and the pick swap from the Miami Heat would be a nice addition, too, but it’s still not a great return.

Again, though, what team is going to beat this trade package? Especially considering the issues Harden has caused Philadelphia. What team wants him on an expiring deal where he can just leave next summer?

The only reason the 76ers would be able to get Herro in this deal is because the Portland Trail Blazers don’t want him, and the Heat seem willing to move him in a Lillard trade.

Would Philadelphia rather have this or a package headlined by Norman Powell? Probably this one. At least Herro is young and has room to grow.

It’s almost certainly not the package Philadelphia wants, but is it close to the best they can get?

Grade: C