I know that the org wants to try to run it back, etc, but I am 100% convinced that you need to take away one of either Harden or Westbrook - so that the organization has a chance to change one of their minds. And, you keep the better player and that is clearly Harden. Trade Westbrook for Love, or B. Griffin or something - what you don't want is 2 disgruntled players huddling up and passing that negativity back and forth reinforcing each others belief they want out. Trade one, and try to build around the other and convince them to stay. That is my .02 DD
Honestly, anything, chemistry wise, one of them has to go - you just can't have two negative nancy's reinforcing that behavior/attitude, it is a chemistry killer. They know it won't work, that is why they both want out - we have to trade Westbrook, and we can use this year and maybe next to convince Harden to stay.....we are a better roster with Woods and Boogey - Harden may decide he has a great shot here. DD
Well, I think that has to be a factor I guess - but most people embrace new beginnings - and at Westbrook's contract level you are going to be getting a veteran player who probably needs a fresh start. But, also Westbrook and Harden are buds, you need to remove the binkie from one of them.....to have a chance of convincing one to stay. DD
I agree with Margrave. Harden will initially dislike it but if we are a better team heading into 2021 playoffs we can retain him.
Also, it’s a gross mischaracterization to describe Harden’s position as that of a “negative Nancy”. He’s earned the right to consider his options at this point in his career. He’s never publicly demanded a trade, and it seems like he’s still very much invested in this team. He’s a professional and understands his obligations. Nobody ever had to ask that question with him. But, yeah, your WB-for-Blake swap idea is just terrible.
What’s Westbrook’s market? His contract limits the Rockets ability to get anyone in return worthy of a trade. That’s what makes this difficult. I think the Rockets are looking to trade him, but might need to let him play for part of the season to see if he catches anyone’s attention since last years playoffs were so disastrous. If he starts off well this year then maybe, just maybe the Rockets will find a taker.
I think I am going to wait and see what Harden and Russ say in their next public statement. Relying on weeks old info and the media to interpret it doesn't instill confidence in knowing the truth of how these guys feel now, IMO.
Blake is just a way to get one year off of Westbrook's contract, and HOPE he comes back healthy - I am under no illusions that it is a guarantee, just a chance to rebuild quicker. DD
Panic much? You're listening to the ****** up media. Ahaha! Stone's got this. We've passed the point of a knee jerk/reactionary move. Let Rafa extract maximum value....perhaps let RW play value back in.
