5 teams that should look to acquire James Harden before the NBA trade deadline

James Harden has been the subject of multiple NBA trade rumors this season, with reports suggesting that he is looking for a move away from the Houston Rockets. NBA championship contenders like the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers have been linked with him, with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks also in contention for his signature.

With James Harden looking to leave Houston, we will take a look at five teams that should make a move to sign him before the trade deadline.

NBA Trade Rumors: The best destinations for James Harden

James Harden is one of the greatest scorers of all time and also has an MVP award to his name. Needless to say, any NBA team would love to have him on their roster. On that note, let's check out the five teams that should look to add him to their roster before the NBA trade deadline expires.

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#1 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics v Toronto Raptors

The Boston Celtics are one of the teams that are very well positioned to land James Harden, as they have two foundational pieces in the form of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics' front office are known to be aggressive in the market. Putting together an NBA trade package involving Jaylen Brown would likely help them acquire James Harden.

James Harden would instantly make the Celtics favorites for the Larry O'Brien trophy - something they have been chasing since 2008.

New on E+: Why every East contender should (and should not) trade for James Harden@TimBontemps on Boston@kevinarnovitz on Brooklyn@kpelton on Miami@kirkgoldsberry on Philadelphia@BobbyMarks42 on Torontohttps://t.co/cywury4sy4

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 7, 2021

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#2 Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors v Phoenix Suns

The Toronto Raptors have struggled badly this season, and the main reason behind that has been the team's poor offense. Since Kawhi Leonard's departure, the Raptors have been missing a talismanic presence. The addition of James Harden would certainly help the Raptors in that regard.

James Harden is arguably the league's best offensive player and carries the threat of both scoring and playmaking.

Recent NBA trade rumors have linked the Toronto Raptors with a move for James Harden. If recent performances are to be taken into account, the front office should not think twice before going ahead with the trade.

Also check out: James Harden Contract Breakdown

"The Warriors should be the team to try and trade for James Harden." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/bAJKpRUH8z

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) January 7, 2021

#3 Golden State Warriors

Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors were supposed to be one of the strongest teams going into the 2020/21 season. However, a season-ending injury to Klay Thompson instantly decimated their title hopes. The management responded by making a short-sighted deal for Kelly Oubre Jr., which has not worked out so far.

Making a move for James Harden seems to be the best option for the Bay Area-based franchise right now, as it would instantly thrust them back into title contention.

If NBA trade rumors are to be believed, a package involving Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins, and a few other pieces might get the job done for Bob Myers and the team.

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#4 Denver Nuggets

Dallas Mavericks v Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets took the NBA fraternity by surprise during last season's playoffs, as they reached the Western Conference finals. The Nuggets are title aspirants, and a move for a player like James Harden would propel them into the conversation for a championship charge.

Denver have the pieces to make the NBA trade. A package centered around Canadian Point guard Jamal Murray can be offered to the Houston Rockets in exchange for James Harden's services.

The Nuggets also have other fringe players like Gary Harris and Monte Morris that they can offer for James Harden. This makes them a very enticing destination for the 2018 MVP.

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#5 New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks

Known to make strange decisions in the draft and market, the New York Knicks had a surprisingly good off-season this time around. The Eastern Conference franchise have a good blend of youth and experience, and the team has been performing quite well of late.

The Knicks' front office has been looking to add a superstar to their ranks for a while. James Harden becoming available represents a golden opportunity for them to do so.

The New York Knicks can prepare a package around Canadian star RJ Barrett and call James Harden to play in the Big Apple.