Spurs Trade Rumors: James Harden Partnership with Victor Wembanyama?
If fate has it in the cards for Victor Wembanyama to be a future Hall-of-Famer, that's what's going to happen. That means the San Antonio Spurs will serve as his NBA home for the first four years of his league debut, as well as the 19-year-old's first stepping stone towards joining an elite list of all-time greats.
But he's not there yet. So, how does he get there?
That question could be answered millions of times without one clear answer, but there certainly are some answers that seem more likely than others — one being adding another superstar to help his development.
The Spurs aren't in poor shape, or anywhere close to it. Yes, their record last season was the league's third-worst, but the difference this year is that there's hope. Hope beyond Wembanyama, even, as coach Gregg Popovich spent all season focusing on player development.
And as Bleacher Report put it, James Harden could be a player to watch for San Antonio, especially given his sky-high potential.
"Harden has boosted the offensive output and efficiency of several bigs over the course of his career," Bleacher Report wrote. "Getting Wembanyama plenty of the wide-open looks that Harden has generated for other teammates over the years could set the rookie up for earlier NBA accolades."
Last season for the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden averaged 21 points even for the second-straight year to go along with his 10.7 assists. Despite not pushing his team over the hump, he did play a big role in the 76ers' Eastern Conference prominence, especially for Joel Embiid.
In a similar situation, Harden would not only pose a threat to opposing defenses with his scoring, but he'd allow Wembanyama to breathe more on the floor with less defensive attention.
For San Antonio, bringing in James Harden would provide a clear benefit on the floor, but the other major question would be whether or not the Spurs would want what he brings off of it.
Harden has played for three teams in three years, and both team changes after he left Houston involved the now popularizing "NBA Superstar" drama. Harden wanted out, and forced the hand of the team he was on, regardless of the fallout. If San Antonio were to make a move to bring him on, it could end up being another rental destination for the 14-year veteran.
If the Spurs aren't put off by that, they might be inclined to welcome a Texas-return for Harden. That's up to the team to decide, however. Wembanyama could always pair with another star down the road — or simply be the star himself.
Only time will tell for the Spurs.
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