Stephen A. Smith Is Right By Saying Miami Heat Shouldn't "Trust" James Harden

The Miami Heat were linked with disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden the past several years.

With Harden still searching for a new home, there remains speculation about him joining the Heat. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith recently said a Harden-Heat pairing should never happen.

Smith detailed his reasons why on an appearance on First Take. He basically said Harden had issues at every stop, including the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets.

“[James Harden] can’t do this this way," Smith said. "Not for a third consecutive time, because now the word it out about you. That’s why Miami didn’t want to talk to you. Miami don’t trust you. Because they’re like ‘Yo, why would we do that? Why would we bring him [to Miami]?’”

.@stephenasmith reacts to James Harden not showing up to 76ers' practice: pic.twitter.com/gVHTe7Yyki
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 19, 2023

Smith is absolutely right.

Harden caused turbulence everywhere he played. Even if he comes at a cheap price, is it even worth it? While still serviceable, he is no longer the player he was a few years ago. He is on the downside of his career. Signing him would rank similar to when the Heat were reportedly in pursuit of Russell Westbrook.

Both were once great players but their time has passed. The Heat would do better by finding a decent option with less baggage or simply just running it back their roster.

Would James Harden Make A Good Fit On The Miami Heat?

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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