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James Harden trades: Teams that can make real offers

We have come to a crossroads when it comes to the future of James Harden with the Houston Rockets.

Harden indicated to the Rockets before the start of camp that he would be open to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers or possibly other contenders, according to a report by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski, and the Rockets are expanding trade discussions beyond those teams.

Harden is under contract through the 2022-23 season, meaning the Rockets can be patient despite having an unhappy superstar on their roster. But what are their options if they decide to pursue a deal now?

The Rockets will look at the package the New Orleans Pelicans received from the Milwaukee Bucks for Jrue Holiday as a starting point -- three first-round picks, two pick swaps and two starter-level players in Eric Bledsoe and George Hill -- although they'll want even more for their MVP guard.

Let's run through Houston's most likely trade partners in a Harden deal.