• This trade would allow James Harden to join a contender on the Dallas Mavericks

• The Philadelphia 76ers get a star in return for James Harden

• The Chicago Bulls get some solid role players

The Dallas Mavericks achieved their key objective this summer, which was to re-sign Kyrie Irving. That obviously means that they will remain a solid team in the Western Conference, but more moves need to happen for the team to be a true contender for the championship.

Currently, the two biggest names on the trade market are Damian Lillard and James Harden. Though the Mavericks likely don’t have the assets to get Lillard, their getting Harden is within the realm of possibility, as the star is on an expiring contract. However, they would also need to loop in a third team, to ensure that the Philadelphia 76ers get a star in return for Harden. A potential trade framework involves the Chicago Bulls and DeMar DeRozan.

Dallas Mavericks Receive: James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR via DAL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)

Chicago Bulls Receive: Christian Wood (Sign-And-Trade), Tim Hardaway Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)

This trade is definitely a move that suits the immediate needs of each franchise, and it is also relatively realistic. Here is why each team should follow through with making this deal.

The Dallas Mavericks Land A Difference-Making Player In James Harden

James Harden might not be the player he once was with the Houston Rockets, but he could definitely be a difference-maker for the Dallas Mavericks as a No. 3 option. Having him, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Doncic all on the same roster would make for a dynamic offense, and they would have the firepower to potentially compete against teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets.

This past season with the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden averaged 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 10.7 APG. His playmaking would be highly beneficial for the Dallas Mavericks, as he could get Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the role players on the team easier shots. In turn, his playing with Doncic and Irving would make his life easier as well, as he would be able to go against weaker defenders due to the attention commanded by his co-stars.

The Dallas Mavericks would have to give up guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and draft compensation in this deal, as well as facilitate a Christian Wood sign-and-trade to the Chicago Bulls. Though giving up the first-round pick would mean sacrificing some of their future, taking on the risk makes sense as the time to compete for the team is now, while they still have Luka Doncic.

The concern with this potential trio is the fact that Doncic, Irving, and Harden are all ball-dominant. With that being said, James Harden’s talent level means the team should trade for him, and hope that Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic can adjust to his presence on the roster. Kyrie Irving has shown that he can play off-ball in the past during his time with the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers and his playstyle is more of a shooting guard than a point guard. Luka Doncic has the size to play the SF position at 6’7. Though the fit isn’t perfect, there are reasons to believe it can work.

There is also the matter of Kyrie Irving and James Harden teaming up once again, and many people believe that the two have a fractured relationship after their time with the Brooklyn Nets. However, it was previously reported that their issues are “overstated” and there is no “bad blood” between the duo. Perhaps that means James Harden would be open to teaming up with Irving on the Mavericks and being on a contender should appeal to him.

The Philadelphia 76ers Get A Star In DeMar DeRozan

The goal for the Philadelphia 76ers is to be able to compete while Joel Embiid is still playing at an MVP level. Trading James Harden for a non-star-level player would hurt them, which is likely why the team has decided to hold on to him for now.

Adding DeMar DeRozan would mean that the Philadelphia 76ers can stay competitive even while losing James Harden, and add a consistent shot-creator to the roster. DeMar DeRozan is well-known for his ability to score from the midrange area, which is crucial in a playoff setting. Though he has not had championship success as a No. 1 option, it is quite possible that he will be better as a No. 2 option behind Joel Embiid. This past season with the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan averaged 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG. On top of DeRozan, the 76ers would get a couple of second-round picks, which reflect the difference in ability between Harden and DeRozan.

The main reason that the Philadelphia 76ers would be able to land DeMar DeRozan is due to his contract situation, as his value right now is lower due to him being on an expiring deal. There is the risk of him walking for nothing at the end of the 2023-24 season, but it is likely that the 76ers would want assurances of DeRozan’s willingness to sign a new contract with the franchise before executing this move.

The Chicago Bulls Add One Of Their Targets In Christian Wood

Since DeMar DeRozan is on an expiring contract, it is quite likely the Chicago Bulls will end up trading him this season to avoid losing him for nothing. It makes sense for them to take this deal, as they would be getting a solid big man and some draft compensation.

It was previously rumored that the Chicago Bulls are interested in adding Christian Wood, and one can see why. Wood is a talented big man who can consistently average a double-double if given the playing time and usage rate. If the Bulls are trading DeMar DeRozan, then it is likely that they will enter a rebuild. That means they can afford to give Christian Wood more touches and allow him to show off his game. This past season with the Dallas Mavericks, Christian Wood averaged 16.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 1.8 APG while shooting 37.6% from 3PT range.

On top of getting Christian Wood via sign-and-trade, the Chicago Bulls would be taking on Tim Hardaway Jr’s contract, and getting a first-round pick for facilitating the deal. The 2027 first-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks is likely to be valuable, as the Mavericks are unlikely to be contenders at that time.

This Deal Leaves All Teams Satisfied In The Return That They Get

Overall, it seems as though this deal would work for all three parties. The Dallas Mavericks would create an elite big three and would be able to add James Harden to their core without giving up too much value. Christian Wood would be able to leave in free agency for nothing, and using him in a deal that brings the team Harden would be an absolute success.

On the Philadelphia 76ers’ end, getting DeMar DeRozan for James Harden should also be considered a win. It is unlikely that the team would be able to land a blue-chip player that is locked in for a while in exchange for James Harden’s expiring contract. However, getting DeMar DeRozan and a few second-round picks would allow them to maintain their status as contenders, and if he signs a new contract with the team then the deal would get even better for the 76ers.

Finally, the Chicago Bulls would be able to get a decent return in exchange for DeMar DeRozan and kick-start their new era. Of course, getting the first-round pick is key here for them, and draft compensation is crucial to having a successful rebuild.

It remains to be seen if the teams involved end up coming together on a deal with this framework. However, this is one of the multi-team trade scenarios that work for every team, and we’ll see what happens in the future.