Dallas Mavs Trade Odds: Could James Harden Form Big 3 with Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving?
You can't have an NBA offseason without a superstar requesting a trade. And it seems as if half the time, it's James Harden who is that star who wants to be moved.
Heading into this summer, Harden had a decision to make regarding his player option in the last year of his contract, and he ultimately decided to opt into it with the gentlemen's agreement that Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Ops Daryl Morey would attempt to trade the former MVP quickly.
After rumors of Harden wanting to return to Houston died down, the 10-time All-Star had his eyes set on landing in Hollywood to play for the Los Angeles Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But if we know Morey, he won't give up his prized possession in Harden for nothing.
That said, what if Harden were to land back in Texas, just for a team that's a few hours north of his former home of Houston?
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden navigates off a screen from Joel Embiid on Kyrie Irving in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
According to BetOnline.ag, the Dallas Mavericks have the seventh-highest odds to land Harden via trade if he departs from Philadelphia at 14/1 odds. At no surprise, the Clippers hold the best odds by a mile with 2/5 (-250) odds to trade for the disgruntled superstar.
Now for the Mavericks, does this trade make any sense? It doesn't, to be quite honest.
First, Dallas doesn't have the assets that would entice Morey to make this kind of move -- unless it’s willing to give up Kyrie Irving at some point next calendar year. But if Irving wanted out of Dallas down the road, Harden is the least likely player that owner Mark Cuban and company would want in return.
Once the Mavs landed Irving, the speculation of trading for such a disgruntled superstar to put alongside Luka Doncic was understandable. If Dallas trades for Harden, that criticism would skyrocket an infinite amount.
A trade for Harden seems to be almost impossible for the Mavericks. Adding an unhappy superstar who has a very similar skillset and play style to Doncic makes little sense and would most definitely end in turmoil. Simply put, we advise not wagering on this one.
