Yes I’m aware Simmons has more skill, that is the reason for the analogy. MPJ is way more than a 6’10 catch and shoot player just like Simmons is more than just a 6’10 pick and roll player.
I would do this, fees like Denver might need another player though (not because Harden isn’t more than fair value) would House fit in to Denver?
I’m sure it’s been posted already, but I’d like to see them put Devin Booker next to Wall. Obviously Suns/CP would veto a Harden for Booker straight up, but I’m guessing there’s a 3 team that would satisfy what they want.
May as well trade EGo too, especially if bringing in Lavine. Unless EGo is backup PG. But Lavine AND Porter in same lineup is recipe for disaster on defense.
I see your proposed HOU+BOS+#3 trades and raise you my dream third team: HOU Jay Brown MPJ Gary Harris Cond FFRP picks (from DEN as MPJ back insurance) BOS Harden Cancer (or any extra $1M+ filler from DEN) DEN Smart EGo Then in separate deal target Vet backup combo G to run bench when Wall sits in exchange for PJ (I'll try Lou Will just for salary match) Wood / Boogie MPJ / Bruno JayB / House Gary H / Nwaba Wall / Lou Prob need 1 more wing shooter off bench but I love that lineup DEF nightmare w long athletic defenders all over the court 5 shooters on floor that fluidly switch roles / matchups on the fly Lou + Boogie is nice scoring duo to lead bench crew of young wing defenders New young core of JB MPJ Wood to grow around vet leader Wall MPJ became a glass cleaner in playoffs and is given great shot to blossom in perfect spot as matchup nightmare for most 4s to check Plus we get conditional FFRP tied to MPJ's back health that are triggered by games played minimums Jaylon is obviously the prize of this haul While I don't for see a final leap into stardom for him, he is already nearing Klay level as primo 2way wing and steady #2/3 option on champ contender Perfect fit for this lineup as starting SF for the next decade who will do whatever is needed to win Most importantly for the franchise, Silas gets a clean slate with an entire new 10 deep rotation He deserves a chance to build an entire new culture and locker room in his image with everyone on board No more individual agendas to derail chemistry with media drama BOS is only dealing if they end up w Harden, and he may finally be the big fish that pushes Ainge to take his shot Losing JayB & Smart hurts, but adding a true superstar to Tatum gives them top duo in East and keeps Harden off the other rivals Not losing any picks is the sweetener to seal the deal Ainge knows they have peaked with JB & Smart, but JH could make them the favorite Thies / RWIII Ojelai / Tristan Tatum / GWill Harden / Romeo Kemba / Teague DEN won't include Murray, so they have no shot at Harden anyway But EGo for Gary adds a 3rd scorer who can create for himself or spot up way better than GH with similar DEF and contract Smart is worth MPJ as he becomes the DEF rock and vet leader this team desperately needs to toughen up and teach young duo how to close While they don't get the prize in Harden, they def close the gap on LAL by upgrading 2 starting wings Joker / Bol Millsap / Jaymichael Barton / EGo Smart / PJ Dozier or RJ Hampton Murray / Morris I see 3 teams coming away happy feeling like they have improved
I’m somewhat proud of this one. my price would be Brown and MPJ. Tell Boston if they can get MPJ in addition to Brown, then Harden is theirs. Something like Brown, MPJ, and 2 first round picks for Harden. As far as how Boston could get MPJ, the answer is Theis. He’s an excellent fit next to Jokic as a big time defender at the 4 (or 5) and a good shooter. Add House to Denver to shore up their forward spot, with Nesmith going to Houston from Boston. Tucker goes to Boston to cover for Theis in return for another FRP for Houston. Something like this: Hou In: Brown, MPJ, Nesmith, 3 FRPs from Boston Hou Out: Harden, Tucker, House Bos In: Harden, Tucker Bos Out: Brown, Theis, Nesmith, 3 FRPs Den In: Theis, House Den Out: MPJ, Millsap Wall / Gordon Brown / McLemore Tate / Nwaba MPJ Wood / Cousins Walker / Teague Harden / Smart Tatum Tucker / Millsap Thompson Murray / Morris Harris Barton / House Theis / Green Jokic / Theis Rather than splitting up Harden, Tucker and House into 3 separate trades, it makes sense to combine them here to incentivize Denver and Boston to give up more assets in order to have more complete teams. Houston gets a centerpiece (Brown), young talent with upside (MPJ and Nesmith) and 3 first round picks. Boston gets the prize in Harden, plus Tucker to fill the hole created with the loss of Theis. Theis is a much better fit next to Jokic than MPJ, and Denver shores up their weak forward spot with House. I think Houston takes this deal. It checks off all the boxes. Houston is refreshed with young talent, and now controls 6 future first round picks beyond their own. I also think Denver takes this deal. Theis and House add significant size and defense, but without compromising the offense. Some will point to MPJs upside, but his defense has a long way to go for a team that wants to win now. The question might be Boston. It’s a hefty price to pay, but you walk away with a deep, very talented team that is strong on both ends.
Denver In: Simmons Philly In: Harden, Tucker Hou In: Gary Harris, MPJ, Milton, Hampton, 5 FRPs from Denver and Philly Wall Gordon / Milton House / Tate MPJ / Nwaba Wood / Cousins I might also be interested exchanges if we feel this isn’t enough for us, ie McLemore, Nwaba, House for Maxey, Bol Bol and Thybulle
More of a rebuild but still semi-competitive. Key is Orlando picks which I’m not sure they would give up. Probably too much for Orlando to give up. Maybe take Cole Anthony out or the 2023 pick. https://tradenba.com/trades/srFeUVdYL
