Why Sixers do the trade

As disappointing as it would be for Philly to end up giving up Harden for a return worse than what they got him for, they don't have much leverage in trade negotiations assuming Harden doesn't play to start the season. The Sixers would consider themselves lucky to acquire two useful role players in exchange for a waste of 35 million dollars.

From the Lakers' side of things, they should be going all in to build the best roster they can around Lebron. Harden would be a step forward in contending for a title, providing much-needed help as a floor general as he led the league in assists last season. Philly's lack of leverage would allow LA to land Harden for the cheap price of two role players in Russell and Hachimura.