1. Philadelphia
Daryl Morey and James Harden had a great relationship throughout their time together in Houston. Now Morey is the President of Basketball Operations in Philadelphia and James Harden is trying to force himself out of Houston. The main issue with trading for Harden on Philadelphia’s end is that it most likely means parting ways with Ben Simmons. The Sixers just don't have the assets to make a move for a player of Hardens caliber without having to include Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, and moving Embiid seems entirely out of the picture. Ben Simmons has elite level talent but his style of play is not a great fit with Embiids. James Harden and Embiid would be a more effective duo with Harden dominating the perimeter and Embiid dominating the paint. Houston would be very happy to get a player of Simmons caliber to start a rebuild with.
2. Brooklyn
James Harden has made it clear that Brooklyn is his preferred trade destination. The Nets have some very intriguing assets that Houston would be interested in. It would likely take a package of Caris Levert, Jarett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, and picks to even get Houston’s attention. James Hardens fit on the Nets is questionable since they already have 2 elite scorers who need the ball in their hands. Adding James Harden, the most ball dominate player in recent memory, would be a very challenging task. Caris Levert looks to be settling into the 3rd scoring option beautifully and having an elite rim protector like Jarrett Allen coming off the bench gives them one of the best 2nd units in the NBA. Brooklyn looks poised for a title run without James Harden, and unless the front office thinks he would be a key necessity in winning a title, they won’t make a deal.
3. Golden State
If the Warriors want to get back to being contenders they desperately need to add an elite player alongside Steph Curry. Draymond Greens return will help, but not enough to make them competitive in the West. If the Warriors want to pull off a trade for Harden, they will have to part ways with James Wiseman who looks to be a very valuable asset for a team trying to rebuild. James Harden would make Golden State a playoff team this season and title contenders next season when Klay Thompson returns. Although it would take some time for Steph and Klay to adapt to playing with Harden, it would be very tough to stop 3 of the greatest perimeter shooters in NBA history on the same team. Steph and Klay have proven themselves to be extremely unselfish teammates and did a phenomenal job of thriving alongside Kevin Durant.
4. Boston
The Celtics are a team with enough assets to pull off a James Harden trade without killing the entire roster. A package of Jaylen Brown and some draft picks would be great for Houston. Although I doubt Boston would have an inclination to part ways with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum is the only guy in Boston that is untouchable. After getting scorched by KD and Kyrie on Christmas, the Celtics may need to bring in Harden to compete with the likes of Brooklyn.
5. Milwaukee
Giannis has major influence on the roster decisions that Milwaukee makes. If Giannis feels that he isn't going to be able to get it done with the current supporting cast he has, he could pressure the front office to make a big move for James Harden. The biggest issue with a Milwaukee trade is that they don’t have the assets that Houston would be looking for. Milwaukee already traded 3 first round picks in the Jrue Holiday deal, leaving them shallow on assets to offer. They would have to put a package together with Khris Middelton and their remaining first round pick to stay in Harden contention.