The market determines who's "max worthy". Many people say guys like Rudy Gay or James Harden isn't supposed to get the max, but you have at least 4-5 teams that's willing to give it to them. Why? Because it's that hard finding guys that are "max worthy" or near that. The Rockets can actually do this because we have good salary cap structure and can fit these contracts in. Also, this max contract is only 15 million per year, instead of 20 million for some older players. In today's game, James Harden is definitely worth the max.
So few people understand this. Being paid the same as LeBron doesn't mean you're overpaid even if you're not as good as LeBron. The NBA salary cap rules prevent the best players in the league from being paid what they are actually worth.
*Also, Harden won't be paid as much as LeBron. Max for a 23-year old RFA != the same max as an older, more experienced player gets.
Always considered him a genius and a victim of circumstances. Circumstances being all the "super stars" wanna g*ngbang each other. I like this trade better than having carmela or lady howard for a rental. Awesome move.
It's funny. When a player plays well on a crappy team, the argument is that "he's only doing well because there are no other good players." When a player plays well on a contender, the argument is that "he's only doing well because he has so much help." In the end, haters gonna hate.
The last time we saw Harden he was stinking up the joint in the NBA Finals. Can Harden be a leader, a go to player, an allstar? This is a gamble but in the Rockets case its a gamble they have to take. If they didnt make this move it was going to be a long ass season.
I like what Morey did Harden has all star talent is young and in his prime and for some reason I dont think Morey is done this deal came out of nowhere maybe he pulls off another trade ! ....(maybe)
no gamble at all He's 23, full of potential and already playing at fringe all star level. Plus the building isn't over yet, one piece at a time, we have sooo many young talents so many picks, my heart is very happy
He was outmatched by the best players in the league... if we don't get the Heat's lineup this is the next best option...
How is this a terrible trade??? Now guys like Kevin Love will actually consider coming here ITS TIME TO LURE KEVIN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!