When you lose the best player in an NBA trade, you’re supposed to lose the trade. You’ve lost the best player. As a general rule, that’s something to be avoided whenever possible.
Did the Philadelphia 76ers lose the James Harden trade? It’s hard to say. In all fairness, the Los Angeles Clippers have thrived with Harden running point. We certainly couldn’t say that they lost the trade.
At the same time, the Sixers don’t look like they lost the deal either. This team has looked like a serious title contender in Harden’s absence. Meanwhile, the Sixers picked up some valuable assets by acquiring Harden. Could they flip some of those assets for Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Furkan Korkmaz, 2028 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie
This isn’t the first time that James Harden has been the best player in a trade. He was the best player in the trade that sent him from the Houston Rockets to the Nets. Then, he was the best player in the trade that sent him from the Nets to the Sixers. Who won those trades?
Well, we can’t properly relitigate the Rockets trade until after 2027. That’s the last year that the Nets will give the Rockets their last first-round pick. In the end, we’ll need to see how the Rockets manage those assets before we can decide if they made a good deal.
On the other hand, it feels fair to say that Brooklyn lost their Harden trade. They took on Ben Simmons’ contract, and he’s spent most of his Nets career on the sidelines. We doubt that the Sixers miss him. Would they be happy to add Dinwiddie?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
With Harden out of the picture, Tyrese Maxey has been given every opportunity. He’s made the most of those opportunities. Maxey has emerged as a superstar lead guard throughout the 2023-24 season.
With that said, the Sixers could use some guard depth. After Maxey, the rotation gets a little thin. This team could use some secondary playmaking. Luckily for them, Dinwiddie can provide it. He’s a guard who can create shots for himself and teammates, and space the floor when Maxey or Joel Embiid have the rock.
Meanwhile, he should be available at this price. The Nets are struggling and should be happy to add an asset at Dinwiddie’s expense. Shouldn’t they?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
We think so. The Sixers have Embiid and Maxey. The Nets have Mikal Bridges. Dinwiddie is a solid player, but he’s not someone who’s going to carry a high-level NBA offense. Nobody on this team is that type of player.
That’s exactly why the Nets could be sellers at this year’s deadline. Yes, they still owe the Rockets those pesky picks. Making a roster downgrade isn’t ideal, but at the same time, it could be justified.
After all, the Nets owe the Rockets picks through to 2027. If they want to elevate their position, they’ll likely need to trade for a star. Acquiring this lottery protected first should help them with that endeavor. In time, it should help them acquire the best player in a trade.
