“11-Game Winning Streak! Facing 2 Consecutive Losses! Wood Steps Up, Stone Reshapes New Harden”
According to Jake Fischer, a journalist from the American media outlet “Outdoor Sports Arena,” the management of the Phoenix Suns is vigorously pursuing James Harden, the star player of the LA Clippers, during this summer’s offseason. This move aims to reunite the elder Durant and the third brother Harden in Phoenix for the third time. Fischer provided a trade offer of 1 for 2 to both the Suns and the Clippers. If negotiations proceed smoothly, the Clippers would avoid the loss caused by Harden’s departure and maintain hope for a championship run. The specific trade proposal involves the Suns sending Bradley Beal to acquire James Harden (via sign-and-trade) and Terance Mann from the Clippers.
Whether Harden, who is in his contract year, will re-sign with the Clippers entirely depends on how far the Clippers progress in the postseason this season. The inconsistency in Harden’s performance has made the Clippers’ management reluctant to offer him a max contract, thus increasing the team’s luxury tax burden. This provides favorable conditions for Harden to be traded. If the trade goes through, Harden will bid farewell to the Clippers and their pairing with Kawhi Leonard. Joining the Suns would once again team him up with Durant to contend for a championship. This marks the third time Durant and Harden have joined forces after their time together with the Thunder. Harden would replace Beal, who was traded to the Clippers, to form a new version of the Suns’ Big Three alongside Durant and Devin Booker.
The biggest obstacle to this trade is Beal’s veto power. If Beal disagrees with the trade, the deal cannot be completed. Beal has struggled with injuries since moving from the Wizards to the Suns. His lack of presence on the team, coupled with the fact that the majority of ball possession is in the hands of Durant and Booker, has naturally led to Beal’s dissatisfaction. Leaving the Suns might be Beal’s best option. Therefore, if the Clippers extend an olive branch to Beal, he will seriously consider it and may not exercise his trade veto power. The Clippers, leveraging Harden’s expiring contract, would maximize their returns in the trade market, retaining their championship-contending strength.
With Chris Paul’s departure, the Suns’ offensive organization has greatly declined. Harden’s arrival could effectively fill the organizational gap for the Clippers. He and Beal would form the Suns’ backcourt duo, while Durant would return to his more familiar positions of 2 and 3. If the Suns could acquire one or two defensive stalwarts in this summer’s trade market, improving the team’s defensive quality, their overall strength on both ends of the court would elevate. They would become formidable contenders for next season’s championship. Personally, I believe this trade would be a game-changer.
So, do you think that if Harden joins the Suns and teams up with Durant for the third time to contend for a championship, there’s a chance for the bearded Harden to finally end his career’s ringless embarrassment? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments for everyone to discuss.
