Grade the Trade: Bulls finally land superstar in mock swap with 76ers

After an extremely hectic offseason in 2021 and an almost entirely silent 2022 offseason, the Chicago Bulls seem to have finally found a middle ground here in the summer of 2023. By making a few savvy signings and upgrading the end of the bench, the Bulls will almost certainly be an improved team next year. But is a slightly improved version of a 40-42 team something that’s going to keep Chicago’s Eastern Conference rivals up at night?

If the Bulls are truly committed to winning now and competing for a championship, it’s clear to see this roster as currently constructed is not enough to get the job done. Fortunately, there appears to be a superstar on the trade block that could potentially be enough to get the job done, and his name is James Harden.

Could a superstar like James Harden be enough to finally put the Bulls over the top?

Under normal circumstances, there’s little chance Philadelphia would be willing to part ways with their one of their two superstar-caliber players. With tensions rising in the City of Brotherly Love, however, the Bulls may have a very real chance to capitalize here.

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Following in the wake of Damian Lillard’s efforts to force his way out of Portland, Harden is also actively looking to be traded — specifically to the Los Angeles Clippers. 76ers general manager Daryl Morey has been unwilling to budge thus far, however, and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of dealing Harden elsewhere in the meantime.