There have been rumblings across the league about the Brooklyn Nets being more open to trading Joe Harris. This, of course, should be music to other teams’ ears. Harris is one of the top shooters in the entire league, is brilliant off the ball, and can play decent defense. He’s the ideal asset to have. Take a look at two Harris trade ideas.
Two Joe Harris Trade Ideas
The Nets go Big
The trade: The Nets send Harris and a first-round draft pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jonas Valanciunas.
New Orleans traded for Valanciunas to pair him up with Zion Williamson. Williamson’s injury woes, however, have stagnated the Pelicans season. New Orleans can opt for a big man in the draft, and add an extremely valuable shooter in Harris. When Williamson eventually returns, along with Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and others, the Pelicans can be an offensive juggernaut with Harris. That first-round pick will eventually be late in a draft, in the most likely scenario, but it remains a valuable asset to have.
Brooklyn needs help up front. LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin are getting older, so it never hurts to add some life into an area of the court. Valanciunas would be excellent for this squad. He’s averaging about 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists per game. He’s also shooting over 46 percent from deep and over 81 percent from the free-throw line. Valanciunas is an offensive monster and will only make the Nets scarier.
It remains to be seen what will happen with the Kyrie Irving situation, but Valanciunas, paired with Kevin Durant, and James Harden is a nightmare match-up for any opposing team.
Brooklyn and Dallas Swap
The trade: Brooklyn sends Harris and Paul Millsap to the Dallas Mavericks for Maxi Kleber and Reggie Bullock.
Dallas is in need of a little shake-up, so teams looking for trades should give them a call. They’ve been in desperate need of a shooter since trading away Seth Curry in 2020, and Harris will answer their problems. Alongside Luka Doncic, Harris can drain threes at an unstoppable rate. As talented as Dallas should be on offense, they’ve been struggling, and Harris likely solves these issues. Doncic, Harris, and Kristaps Porzingis is an elite offensive trio. Millsap brings a veteran presence and frontcourt help to replace Kleber.
Kleber is one of the more underrated players in the league. He’s as tough as they come, is very athletic, can defend multiple positions, and can drain threes at a very reliable rate. Kleber can also play the five and the four, making him a versatile asset for the Nets. He’s a day-one starter on this team and can anchor the defense. His contract is also very team-friendly.
Bullock has struggled in Dallas, but shined for the New York Knicks last season. He can still be that player in the right situation. Bullock is the typical “three-and-d” player teams want. He’ll play tough perimeter defense and be able to find plenty of open shots alongside Durant, Harden, and possibly Irving.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
