Best fit for James Harden? Why the Pistons make the most sense for the Clippers star

 

In a surprising twist as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline draws closer, former MVP James Harden is now on the market.

The 36-year-old is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists on the season, and is reportedly looking for a chance to do what he's yet to achieve in his otherwise illustrious career: win a championship.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have been thoroughly mentioned as a team that will make a play for his services, the fit appears odd and will likely require relinquishing younger players, which could prove to be a long-term problem if the organization wishes to hang on to Evan Mobley.Additionally, the Cavs (30-21) simply haven't played that well this season, which should beg the question: Are they even a realistic bet to make a Finals push with Harden?

In fact, there might be a team that's further along than the Cavs in that regard — one that's also looking to make a play for a star before Thursday’s deadline.

Why the Pistons make sense for Harden

The Pistons sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 36-12 record, are in full control of their future draft picks and can dangle Tobias Harris' expiring contract plus additional assets to make a deal work.

As Harden will turn 37 this year, it's unlikely the Clippers will get a package for him that includes a bundle of unprotected first-round selections. But that doesn't mean they won't get one, plus a young player. And that's where Detroit can offer something that makes sense for both sides.

Harris, Jaden Ivey and the Clippers' choice of an unprotected pick this year or next, for Harden and Kobe Brown, is a trade that works. That package offers the Clippers financial flexibility, a prospect with upside, and a first-round selection, which should aid them as they move forward.

If push comes to shove, the deal could be expanded to include Ron Holland, but in that case it's likely the Pistons would negotiate some protection on the outgoing pick.

Do note that Harden has a no-trade clause due to the contractual status of his deal, meaning he can veto any trade. This move hinges on him not using that right.

The fit with Harden in Detroit

First off, Harden and Cade Cunningham are both big guards, and the duo should immediately become interchangeable. Both can function on the ball and score in bunches, giving Detroit’s coaching staff plenty of options in how to trigger actions between them, or to stagger them.

Harden's 3-point shot, which he still takes at the high volume of 8.8 per game, will be a weapon the Pistons could use, as they don't exactly dominate in that department, hitting just 34.8% on the season.

While neither Cunningham nor Harden are natural off-ball movers, they're both intuitive passers. Regardless of who is on the ball, the court will open up further for Detroit, as the presence of two elite playmakers will keep defenses constantly scrambling.

Newly minted All-Star center Jalen Duren would especially feast off of lobs from the guard duo, and Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson would stand to benefit by being fed more frequently.

There's risk involved

Of course, whenever the name James Harden pops up, you will have to make a mental note of starting a clock, as he's notorious for wanting out of situations that may irk him.

While the Pistons can offer him an enormous role and a chance to win, there are simply no guarantees with Harden, who has asked out of virtually every single situation he's been in, and sometimes just a few years into a project.

Therefore, the Pistons would have to make the move for the present. Specifically this year, with the hope of reaching the Finals.

Harden has a player option worth $42.7 million for next season, which he could technically not pick up, and that too should factor into Detroit's offer and approach to such an acquisition.

Is that a gamble the Pistons feel comfortable with? Or are they better served using more assets to trade for Lauri Markkanen or someone closer to Cunningham's timeline?

That's going to be up for discussion. But if Harden is gettable — and interested — the cheaper cost will be viewed as an asset for the Pistons.