The Houston Rockets may soon find themselves deciding on the future of their franchise. Since their elimination by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2020 playoffs, the Rockets have lost head coach in Mike D'Antoni along with role advisor Daryl Morey recently stepping down as general manager.

As Morey attempted on numerous occasions to bring the Rockets into the NBA Finals, his plans never came to fruition. His greatest milestone in the objective came in the 2017-18 playoffs, as the Rockets pushed the Golden State Warriors to a Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals before being defeated. That competitive momentum didn't last long, as the Rockets were then eliminated by the Warriors the following year once more.

In the time since, Morey has worked to balance the roster around Harden's fitting, bringing on close friend and former MVP Russell Westbrook to better their chances. After some midseason experiments in shipping off big man Clint Capela, the Rockets found themselves to be an easy target for the Lakers in the playoffs.

With Clutch City possibly moving in another direction from both Westbrook and Harden, Harden's next destination could possibly be the final stop in his career, marking the end of one the best scorers in league history. Yet the chances of the Rockets moving on from their long-time franchise player are slim to none.

In order to make possibly his next move his best move, here are the four best trades that could benefit both the Rockets and Harden.

Bucks, Khris Middleton
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1. Milwaukee Bucks

Bucks get: James Harden

Rockets get: Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, first-round picks in 2020, 2024

Both Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo have had their issues in the past, with Harden stating that to be a successful player with Antetokounmpo's height and length is an easy task. In time since, however, both players have acknowledged that there's no beef between the two though, which could make this pairing deadly.

The Bucks overspent on Middleton in a ditch effort to keep the Greek Freak around for the long term. Though he's one of the deadliest shooters in the league today, he doesn't possess the inside game necessary when his 3-pointers aren't falling. The Bucks would also clear Bledsoe off their books, another player that can be placed in the overspending pile.

Harden would be paired with arguably the most dominant big in the league, seeing as how Antetokounmpo is the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers get: James Harden

Rockets get: Paul George, Ivica Zubac 

If the Clippers were to continue to turn the tables in an all-out effort to please Kawhi Leonard, landing a superior scorer in Harden could do just that. There've been recent rumblings of a possible Paul George trade after the way he conducted himself in the locker room, especially during the postseason.

One aspect that both George and the Clippers have boasted about this season is their defense, which was fifth in the league during the regular season. Though Harden may not possess the same defensive IQ as George, he's become a decent defender compared to that of his former years.

In return, the Rockets would get George, who would serve as the No. 1 scoring option immediately. They also would obtain the services of big man Ivica Zubac, giving them a much-needed center after failing with the small-ball lineup this season. The Clippers mortgaged all of their future draft picks to the Thunder in the deal to bring George to L.A., which hinders them from offering anything in addition to sweeten the deal.

Rockets, James Harden, Joel Embiid

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Sixers get: James Harden

Rockets get: Joel Embiid, Josh Richardson, Matisse Thybulle, 2023 and 2025 first-round picks

The Sixers have begun to to trend in a different direction after the recent hiring of head coach Doc Rivers, but that doesn't mean that their out of the mix for some additional changes—especially to the roster. And while rumors have begun circulating that the Sixers would be willing to risk it all in a trade to instead land Westbrook, a good case could be made for Philly opting instead for a legitimate scorer opposed to the UCLA product's skill set.

Pairing Harden and Simmons would prove to be a lethal combination for opposing teams. Simmons has found success in prior years of being able to penetrate to the basket, where he's extremely efficient, or kick it out to a solidified shooter. With Embiid gone, the Sixers could then make good use of a bad signing in Al Horford, pushing him to the starting center or power forward role where his skills could be utilized better.

In return for Harden, the Rockets would get Josh Richardson and Matisse Thybulle along with Embiid. Richardson could prove to be useful in the Rockets' system depending on how the new head coach will approach offensive schemes. Thybulle proved to be a capable defender that will hopefully develop a better offensive arsenal as he progresses.