*This is a prediction*
As the Los Angeles Clippers grapple with a disappointing season as they sit with a 6-18 record, increased discussions are surrounding the team as they could look to make major changes at the NBA Trade Deadline.
One of the names that continues to be brought up in trade discussions is James Harden. If the Clippers go forward with trading Harden, the Denver Nuggets make sense as a team to end up trading for Harden at the deadline.
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Los Angeles Clippers Trade James Harden to the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets Receive: James Harden
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Cam Johnson, Zeke Nnaji, DaRon Holmes II
The Denver Nuggets, while holding a 17-6 record this season, need to make sure they don’t get complacent and find ways to advance the roster if they are going to make a deep playoff once again and make sure to continue to maximize Nikola Jokic’s prime. One of the areas that the Nuggets must fix if this is going to be the case is their point guard position.
James Harden, despite his defensive criticisms, offers elite playmaking and scoring that could complement stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and help maintain things when Jokic and Murray need time off the court.
With James Harden still showing he is playing at an elite level with averaging 26.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game his skills would provide a boost at the point guard spot that the Nuggets need. For Harden, ending up on a contending team like the Nuggets can help him out as it gives him the best chance to win a championship before the end of his career.
As for the Clippers, their current roster is one of the oldest in the league, and has shown the signs of wear and tear, compounded by injuries and inconsistency. With their first-round pick owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the focus shifts to acquiring younger talent and trading Harden could be the first step in a larger retooling process.
By getting two younger players in return in Zeke Nnaji, DaRon Holmes II, plus an experienced player in Cam Johnson who can help in starting to shift the Clippers team around for the future, it creates an ideal trade for the Clippers as well.