Zion for Harden? ESPN announced a 4-for-5 trade plan: the Pelicans 76ers can achieve a win-win situation

On June 18, Beijing time, in the past period, in the trade plan discussed by the US media, the Pelicans' Zion was almost replaced throughout the league. When discussing the value of Zion's trade, ESPN listed a Pelicans 4-for-5 option for Harden as a win-win option.

The plan is as follows: the Pelicans send Zion (33 million), Nance Jr. (10 million), Temple (5 million), Murphy III (3 million), Harden (33 million, to agree to sign first), Tucker (10.5 million), McClung (qualification offer) and two 2024 second-round picks (from the 76ers and Knicks).

How can this deal be a win-win situation? ESPN gave a solution -

The Pelicans are aiming to take the next step and enter the fierce playoff battle, but the uncertainty of Zion's injury concerns makes it difficult for them to do so.

Ingram is an All-Star, but he and Zion are not a good match because they are both forwards who like to carry the ball. Even so, Ingram's usage rate is not comparable to Embiid's, which provides Harden with additional scoring opportunities. Tucker is a defensive veteran who can form a frontcourt rotation with Varan and Jones, which will give the Pelicans the firepower and size to compete with any team.

There is some controversy about whether the 76ers should keep Harden, mainly whether Harden is suitable for the 76ers' offense, and he cannot be the first choice here. But even if Maxi has become a threat to the outside, the 76ers will not be able to afford to lose Harden's choice for nothing.

Signing Harden is the most realistic plan. If the 76ers can form the interior partners of Zion and Embiid, combined with Maxi, Murphy, Melton and Harris, they will still be a strong team in the East.

In 2022-23, Harden played in 58 games, averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game, while Zion played in 29 games, averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.