James Harden is still looking for a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers and did not practice this week, raising concerns about his future. Some, including this publication, have suggested that the Miami Heat explore dealing for the contentious All-Star guard. However, the Heat have already ruled it out, according to a local article.
“The Heat have made it known privately that such a direction is not a direction the team is considering,” wrote Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in answer to a question concerning the Heat’s pursuit of Harden. “Does it make sense as a one-year rental now?” Perhaps.”
Harden’s absence from the squad is the latest chapter in what has been a tumultuous summer for him. Harden decided to opt into the last year of his deal and seek a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers after the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers failed to offer him a long-term contract as a free agency. Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, has not granted Harden’s demand, and he has been irritated for months by the lack of progress on a contract.
The 76ers and Clippers have recently communicated, but there is still a significant gap between them on a potential Harden deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Harden is said to be in Houston while the 76ers finish up their preseason. Coincidentally, the Heat will fly to Houston on Thursday night to play the Rockets in their last preseason game on Friday.
Jokes aside, it would be surprising if the Heat made an effort to acquire Harden. But it’s worth taking note of Winderman’s hedge in his report. Would the Heat consider trading for Harden, who has forced his way out of two teams and is trying for his third, if only for a one-year rental?
Besides his attitude, there are also questions about his conditioning and spotty playoff track record. If the Heat didn’t want to promise a long-term extension, that would be reasonable. But if he’s available for cheap, and for one year, wouldn’t the Heat have to at least consider it?
The 76ers reportedly want first-round picks and young players in exchange for Harden (so that they can turn those assets into another high-level player later). The Heat could put together a package based around Kyle Lowry’s expiring deal, Caleb Martin and a pick or young player such as Nikola Jovic. Is that enough to get Harden? Who knows, but it could at least be worth dialing Morey’s number to find out.
It makes sense to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, who said this week he thinks the Heat should kick the tires.
“To me, if I’m trying to get James Harden if I’m Miami, that’s [Kyle] Lowry for Harden and I’ll throw in something else,” Simmons said on his podcast. “I’m just not giving up [Tyler] Herro for one year of James Harden.”
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