Boston Celtics: 2 trades to get James Harden on either the Bucks or Heat

Trade idea No. 1) Harden heads to Miami; Rockets add shooters; Cs land a four

Why the Boston Celtics do it

One of the biggest wants from Boston Celtics fans this offseason has been for Danny Ainge and co. to pursue the likes of a traditional power forward to add to the roster.

Recently, we discussed in an article about how they should consider bringing on the likes of veteran four, P.J. Tucker who, alongside Marcus Smart, would create quite an intimidating defensive punch off the pine, all while improving their putrid second unit’s long-range game (shot 38.2 percent of his wide-open threes in 2019-20).

Last season, the ninth-year veteran posted averages of 6.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and half a block per game on 42 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Easily one of the toughest players currently in the league, Tucker could come in and serve as a sensational 3-and-D talent, while also providing that veteran leadership that is sorely missing from this young Celtics nucleus.

Because of this, for the Cs, giving up Daniel Theis — especially now that they have Tristan Thompson –, Carsen Edwards, and a future second-round pick to bring the 35-year-old aboard may not be such a bad idea.

Why the Miami Heat do it

As for the other side of the equation, if the Miami Heat want James Harden, they’ll need to give up a pretty penny to get him.

While the franchise just saw themselves come within just two wins of bringing home their fourth Larry O’Brien Trophy, it was evident that, if they wish to get past the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers, they’re going to need to bring on more star power to even things out a bit more.

In this deal, we see Miami bringing on the 8x All-Star and former league MVP in Harden to form a big-3 alongside the ever so determined Jimmy Butler and wunderkind/ freakishly athletic center, Bam Adebayo.

Why the Houston Rockets do it

Houston, on the other hand, brings on a bevy of assets including Edwards, Theis, Andre Iguodala, and Duncan Robinson to name a few. However, perhaps the biggest draws for them to pull the trigger on a deal such as this is the inclusion of 3 first-round picks from Miami as well as 2019’s 13th overall pick and absolute baller, Tyler Herro.

With the makings of a potential star in this league, the 20-year-old burst onto the scene in 2019-20, posting 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from deep.

In the postseason, he went on to only increase these numbers by averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 43 percent shooting from the field, 38 percent shooting from deep and, as Boston Celtics fans remember far too well, a 37 point performance on 50 percent shooting from downtown.

With the unfortunate fact that the Rockets gave up a plethora of their own picks in the Russell Westbrook trade last offseason, it’s actually within their best interest to try and bring back players who could still help them remain relevant should they wind up trading Harden, as tanking is simply not an option for them.

With John Wall now in tow alongside DeMarcus Cousins, and Christian Wood, this team actually has some solid pieces outside of their superstar.

Adding on the likes of a few future draft assets (ones they currently don’t have), a budding star/ sharpshooter in Herro to play alongside Wall in the backcourt, and several other players that could help them remain highly competitive (Iguodala is a 3x NBA Champion and a Finals MVP), this deal actually could wind up working out well for the Rockets should their relationship with James Harden be unmendable.