We would be insane to trade Harden, who is under contract for at least two more years, especially for the role players and crappy draft picks being discussed. You have to KEEP HARDEN, even if it risks getting a worse return later. None of the deals being discussed even move the needle. Meanwhile, you’ve got a guy who can just walk out of the club, carrying a few extra honey buns, and drop 44 and 17 on opening night, without breaking too much of a sweat.
If only Harden played with the most dominant low post player EVER. Or the most winningest HOF coach since Red Auerbach.
or didn’t have to play the KD Warriors...or have his 2nd best player go down with a hamstring injury in the WCF casual fans always quick to bring up “b-b-but ringzzz” with no context
Agreed, he drove me nuts the last month but he quickly reminded me of his greatness. Also, its ridiculous how some of these teams interested didn't want to give up "depth" or good young players for harden. Im sure hes making them regret it
Keep Harden, hope that he changes his mind, if not, he leaves after two years and then we go shopping in the free-agent market?
I get the sentiment, but the downside risk is a Kawhi return. When is the major value drop off: this season's deadline or the off-season? One big reason AD got a better return than Kawhi was because the Lakers knew AD would extend. So that's a factor too. As great as Harden is, if he and his mom are saying they gone, then there's a huge difference between Brandon Ingram and Ball vs. DeRozan pupu platter. Personally, if Smart is the sticking point (because the Celtics want to win now and need his defense), then I'm okay (don't love it, just okay) with something like the following: Harden to Boston for Brown, Nesmith (2020 14th pick), Langford (2019 14th pick), Theis or Robert Williams + 7 first round picks/swaps. Tucker to Boston for their trade exception. I don't love it, but the Rockets could have Boston's current young players + Boston's future (draft pick clock to start 2 seasons later).
That's okay in theory, but not practical due to the Rockets cap limitations. It would make more sense to operate over the cap (and under the tax because of Tilman). If the Rockets do nothing and Harden leaves, that leaves them in 2022-2023 with cap holds, John Wall making $47M, Gordon making $20M, and Wood making $14M. That leaves like $46M for 9 to 12 players. Operating over the cap but under the tax gives the team an extra $30M to work with.
Maybe but no rush on that. Harden can be dumped later at 2nd trade deadline not this but next year. It's win now with harden top 5 player bird in hand kinda thing.dude drops 40 with eyes closed. You can't. Not yet. I want back tit for tat right now. I'm not doing jack unless you are giving me doncic, giannis and that's not happening so you hold.. Harden is = win now
I get it. It sucks to abandon winning more now for possibly winning later, but that's the predicament the Rockets are in. For me, they absolutely cannot wait for the final year, because that's the Kawhi trade. Do you remember that trade? Finals MVP, DPOY, final year - it was Kawhi and Danny Green for DeRozan, Poetl, and a 1st round pick. Rockets have to avoid that scenario at all costs imo.
Stone is just bidding his time if that's the case. Or maybe he thinks there's more job security as a tag-along GM?
How many players are there in the NBA that are even potentially as good as disgruntled partying fat Harden? Lebron Giannis (lol 2 time MVP) Luka (after he loses weight) Davis Durant (until his leg explodes again) Tyler Herro
Pros: - 2 years of Harden and arguably top 4 Western Conference finishes each year. - Tilman will love it because the team won't be able to operate above the cap. Annual payroll will go from $140M to $110M. Cons: - Harden may be even more disgruntled next year. - losing Harden for nothing means 1 guaranteed year of absolute suck (22-23), where we at least have our pick. - potential future years of suck without picks due to the Westbrook trade - $30M less salary to spend because they're under the cap. There's a lot of unknown variables and the future is unpredictable. That said, the plan A of being good with Harden for 2 years (assuming he doesn't hold out in year 2) means a high probability of being much worse off for 4 years afterwards due to the Westbrook trade and losing Harden for nothing and not being able to spend above the cap. The alternative is the team is worse for the next 2 years, but has a future with Brown/Simmons/Siakam/MPJ + additional young talent + draft picks.
Sure but they will be much closer to have gotten the maximum value from Harden at that point. Kashi is a weirdo player and annoying but he was 27 at that point and theoretically had his best years in front of him. Harden at 33 (especially after all he has given you since 2013) is a different proposition.
The problem with the premise of this thread is that none of those owners said to their unhappy player (Hakeem/ Duncan/ Kobe): shut up and listen
Yes, that is the tradeoff. Harden greatness for 2 years (if he doesn't hold out in year 2) vs no Harden, no talent or picks replacement, and $30M less to spend if he walks for nothing. There's no perfect solution.
True, why be in a hurry, let him stay, and play and develop chemistry, I believe he will change his mind. DD
