It’s been circling around the league over the past year that Harden has been planning a return to Houston. If there’s any truth to this, this deal would make sense of the situation.

Houston acquire Harden and Anunoby for the 20th pick this year(Clippers pick), a protected 2025 pick (via OKC/BKN), Kevin Porter Jr. and Sengun. Alperin Sengun is the main question here. If there’s anyone who would intrigue Ujiri among the attainable Rockets players, it’d be him. In this trade Sengun comes at the price of Anunoby, who gives Harden a complimentary veteran to roll with as they try to make a run at the playoffs with their young core.

Toronto here is at rebuild mode. Siakam and Anunoby may not fetch all that much given that they’re both on expiring contracts. Getting some young talent with Sengun, Porter Jr. and the #2 overall pick from Charlotte is as good as it gets. Building a young core around Barnes including someone like Scoot Henderson would be a great way to start a rebuild.

Philly gets Siakam for Harden here. They retain an All Star for an All Star who is as familiar with their new head coach as any. This could set them up to have a much easier time dealing Tobias Harris because all they’ll be looking in exchange for him is some depth.

Charlotte trades their pick for 4 1sts. It’s not the sexiest deal for them but they may not have a better choice here given that Scoot would be redundant next to Ball and given that the talent beyond the top 3 here is lack luster maybe they’re better off stocking up with more good talent as opposed to a singular hit or miss prospect.