Mavericks land a new staging post in James Harden’s blockbuster

NBA trade season is officially here and there could be many superstars flitting around the league.

We’ve already seen Jordan Paul, Chris Paul, Bradley Bell, Marcus Smart, and Kristaps Porcingis all swap teams within the past few weeks, and more deals may be coming soon.

Among the latest trade rumors is superstar James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers guard.

Harden was traded to the Sixers midway through the 2021-22 season and has been there ever since. He averaged 21 points, 6.4 rebounds, 10.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game in the 79 games he played for Philadelphia. Harden has been a big part of what the Sixers do, but the star may look to play elsewhere next season.

according to Shams Al-Shaaraniyyah From The Athletic, “James Harden has picked up his $35.6 million deal for next season — to have the All-Star and 76ers work together in a deal out of Philadelphia.” The Sixers have reportedly already started talking to teams about potential deals for Harden, and according to Sam Amick (subscription required), his favorite destination is the Los Angeles Clippers.

This is the third time Harden has asked for a trade, and both previous times he has landed at his favorite destinations (Nets and 76ers). The superstars are keeping more and more sway over where they land in the trades, as they often seem to get their way when deciding where they want to trade.

Here we discuss the deal that lands Harden in Los Angeles, and the Dallas Mavericks step in by filling the gap at the starting position.