James Harden vs Zion Williamson

James Harden scored more in 2025-26, 2.6 points a game apart (23.6 vs 21.0), on Harden's heavier usage (27.9% vs 25.0%).

Williamson is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 64.4% to 61.0%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Harden (8.0 vs 3.2 assists), the glass to Williamson (5.7 vs 4.8 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Harden played 8 more games (70 vs 62 of 82).

With Harden on the floor his team outscored opponents by +1.8 per 100 possessions, against -1.9 for Williamson; on-court net rating carries the teammates with it, so read it next to PIE.

On the books for 2026-27: Harden $30.6M through 2028-29, Williamson $42.2M through 2027-28. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.