James Harden to the Suns? NBA insider reveals possibility of former MVP teaming up with Kevin Durant again
A sign-and-trade deal involving James Harden and Chris Paul could send the former MVP to Phoenix and reunite him with Kevin Durant.
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Kevin Durant, left, and James Harden, right. (Via Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns came up short in their quest for their first championship, but they might not be done making moves. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Phoenix is among the potential suitors for a blockbuster deal that would swap James Harden and Chris Paul.
Harden is one of the best players in the NBA, a former MVP and a perennial All-Star. He was the league’s top playmaker last season, dishing out 10.7 assists per game and scoring 21 points per game for the 76ers, who fell in the second round.
Paul was instrumental in the Suns’ run to the second round of the Playoffs, providing leadership and production for the young squad. He put up 13.9 points and 8.9 assists per game and earned his 11th All-Star nod.
If the Suns waive Paul, which would make him a free agent. Paul has a partially guaranteed contract for next season that becomes fully guaranteed at $30.8 million. He could also opt out of his deal and seek a new contract elsewhere. Harden has a similar situation with the Sixers. He has a $35.6 million player option for next season that he must decide on. He is expected to decline his option and become a free agent with the goal of landing a four-year contract.
If both Paul and Harden opt out of their contracts, they could agree to a sign-and-trade deal that would swap them for each other’s teams. This would allow the Suns and the Sixers to avoid losing their stars for nothing and also create some cap flexibility for other moves.
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How James Harden would fit with Durant, Booker and Ayton in Phoenix Suns?
The main question is how Harden would fit with the Suns’ core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton, who both had breakout performances in the playoffs.
Harden, Durant and Booker are all elite shooters who can stretch the floor and create their own shots. They could form one of the best backcourt trios in the league and put pressure on any defense. Ayton would benefit from having two playmakers who can feed him easy baskets in the paint or kick out to him for open jumpers.
The Suns would have to sacrifice some depth and defense in this trade, but they would gain one of the best offensive players in the league who could take them to another level. Harden has never won a championship in his career, but he could have a chance to do so with the Suns if he joins forces with Durant in Phoenix.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)