NBA Trade Rumors: Heat Fancies Harden, Herro Among Players To Be Offered, Report Says

KEY POINTS

James Harden to Heat could happen with Rockets getting a massive haul
Tyler Herro could become dispensable if the Heat pursues a trade for Harden
Harden could form a lethal combo with Jimmy Butler and make the Heat's NBA title aspirations possible

The Miami Heat was added as another potential landing spot for James Harden, but pundits felt it was a deal unlikely to happen. However, it appears there has been a change in plans and a deal could be struck, with Tyler Herro anchoring a massive player swap, a report says.

Originally branded as untouchable, there are now murmurs that the Heat would entertain a trade involving the 20-year-old player. ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on "The Lowe Post" that the Heat would part ways with Herro if it meant acquiring Harden.

Considering the salary that Harden comes with, Miami Heat president Pat Riley would need to add more for the rumored deal to go down. Hence, Herro could be the anchor of it all.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald suggested that other players who could be thrown in include two among Precious Achiuwa, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson. The Heat’s 2025 and 2027 first-round picks would be part of the deal. For cap concerns, Kelly Olynyk and Andre Iguodala could be sent to the Rockets as well.

If the deal does push through, the Heat will have more than enough firepower this 2020-21 season. Harden holds a close relationship with Jimmy Butler, further showing how a deal would make sense. But would Riley break up his future for a chance to get a crack at the NBA title this season?

The only thing certain right now is that there is mutual interest. Whether a Harden trade progresses is beyond anyone’s guess. Riley has been known to flirt and come up with ways to make an NBA team stronger, and the Harden interest is no exception.

For now, Harden and the Houston Rockets will just have to wait and see. According to a previous report, a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers also made sense, with Ben Simmons likely the player Houston would be getting. Other teams that the 2018 NBA MVP reportedly prefers include the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks.

There is also a chance that the Rockets may send Harden to a team that they prefer. The main prerogative for Houston is to close a deal where they get proper compensation in exchange for the eight-time All-Star. Tied up to that is getting young players to their end – a reason why the rumored Heat deal makes plenty of sense.