Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers
Houston RocketsWhy the Boston Celtics do it
The Boston Celtics would give up on the potential of Romeo Langford, who has not had a clean bill of health since joining the Cs, but other than that, the team wouldn’t be losing much. Daniel Theis is having a difficult time fitting in at the power forward spot, and both Tristan Thompson and Robert Williams are better options at the 5. He is a free agent in the offseason.
Carsen Edwards may never play his way into a role in Brad Stevens’ rotation, and Javonte Green’s production can easily be replaced.
P.J. Tucker replaces Theis’ role, Danuel House inherits Green’s minutes, and Tyrese Maxey could be the perfect backcourt complement to Payton Pritchard.
Why the Houston Rockets do it
Getting off of Harden is imperative, even if it means taking on the monstrous contract of Tobias Harris. Three future first-round picks make that an easy pill to swallow at the very least.
Why the Philadelphia 76ers do it
There are many obvious reasons why a James Harden-Philadelphia 76ers union makes sense, with Daryl Morey being a big one.
Harden represents the potential Kobe Bryant to Joel Embiid’s Shaquille O’Neal. Whether or not Ben Simmons fits is almost irrelevant; he could be swapped for a better fitting third star pretty easily.