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Golden State Warriors Trade Ideas: What a James Harden deal looks like

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call by the referee in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 20, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call by the referee in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 20, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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James Harden is on the trading block, and the superstar may have many suitors. Some assume the Golden State Warriors may be one of them.

It’s a long shot that James Harden is traded to the Golden State Warriors.

In the spirit of intriguing ourselves with Christmas on the horizon, let’s assume the Warriors are highly interested and would like to get a reasonable deal done. There should be enough to call the bluff of the 76ers potentially trading Ben Simmons.

Every franchise should know that Harden would immediately be the center point of their roster, and it may not work for them. Even at a bargain, it’s a hard sell to think Harden would be a perfect fit in Golden State.

But, if Bob Myers thinks he is and Steve Kerr agrees, what might it take to bring him to the Bay Area? For starters, a max-value contract would have to be included. That will likely be Andrew Wiggins as immediately after this trade happens Houston will go into a rebuilding mode.

SB Nation suggested a package that would bring Harden to the Bay Area; however, it would be sending away a plethora of young talent and mortgaging the future for a player that may not fit in with the Warriors’ team-first style of play.

Nonetheless, here’s the trade.

Warriors receive: James Harden

Rockets receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, 2021 Minnesota top-five protected first-round pick and “other picks”

The Warriors would be at a crossroads with this deal. Many may hate it, but with what they’d retain, it would make them arguably title favorites. Harden has averaged over 30 points per game for three straight seasons and topped 34 per game last season.

Give him the league’s most lethal shooter, and it’d be one insane offense. While there’s no guarantee that Curry works well with a ball-heavy player like Harden, it may be worth the shot for the front office, one clearly dedicated to winning.

On the other hand, you’re giving up your future.

Curry has had high praise for James Wiseman already. Add in potentially drafting BJ Boston or a player of his caliber in the draft, and it’s a completely different story. The 2021 draft is among the deepest in recent history.

The Warriors will have two first-round picks, both of which, if everything goes south this season, could be lottery selections. That would give Golden State a long-term plan to keep their dynasty at least moving in the right direction while then the team can hopefully plan for the return of Klay Thompson.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

If that’s the trade, it’s tough to call. Would you do it?

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