The biggest thing that will probably keep Harden here is if it looks like we have a better shot to win a title here than wherever he wants to go. If Stone make a trade with Russ that does that, great. But just getting Russ out of town and banking on Kevin Love and Blake performing/staying healthy seems much less likely than hoping we can play like we did with Russ after the Capela trade before the covid break. However, this time with better rebounding and more offensive creativity in the playoffs (Silas), which would put us with the Clippers, Nuggets, Bucks, etc in the tier below the Lakers. If KD doesn't look like he did pre-injury, Kyrie kills the Nets chemistry, and they implode, that probably helps keep James' eye from wandering as much too. But that's out of the Rockets control.
Anyone noticed Westbrook’s Instagram stories featuring concerts he performed in the comfort of his super car? He has posted these daily for over a week or so. It’s a little odd to me. Some of the songs are about “keeping a smile” on his face and “thoughts” he hides etc. I don’t know why I watch them but I do. And it’s like a weird therapy type thing for him it seems. If you haven’t seen it I highly suggest you check it out.
I really freaking like Westbrook off court, it hurts that he can't shoot and can only play one way. This is the way..... not.
James is not going to sit around and wait until Blake comes off the books. he already wants to go to a contender NOW. this is a dumb idea. i think there is a better chance to convince him to stay if we don't trade westbrook because nothing we can trade him for is going to make us better. if we aren't getting better no reason for him to want to be here and waste more years.
I appreciate the thread. The team is taking a gamble. The hope is that Russ returns to MVP form raising his trade value. If that happens: It puts Stone in a much stronger position. Rafa could decide to keep Russ at that point or trade high. He could shock the world and trade Harden at that point. Maybe Silas breaks through in year one and gets this team rolling and an opportunity to add another star arises. (Team has 4 2021 picks now 2-1’s and 2-2’s)
My best guess is the Rockets tried to trade Westbrook before the draft. I would have traded him for a ham sandwich salary dump and been a player in free agency and the draft. Rockets probably wanted equal value (which is??). Had C Wood for $10M; but others increased the bidding. Had to pay higher price; which caused the Rockets to lose Nerlens Noel. Went to Knicks for $5M as Rockets offer shrunk. Been picking up scraps since......including Cousins. I don’t feel it’s an easy thing to trade a $40M contract in the season and get.....so called “equal value” in return. Not when teams have their rosters set and need to match almost dollar for dollar in a trade. Teams are going to want to send us trash players back.....6 players to equal that one contract. But that’s what Harden probably wants.
All the stars that came here end up wanting traded after playing with Harden a couple years. Dwight did, Paul did, and now Russ wants to leave. James didn't want to come here and neither did Aldridge, Durant, or Butler. Maybe it's nothing to do with James, but maybe part of it is. Could be chemistry, money, or just wanting to be the main attraction. It just seems like they all want out when they do come here.
CP3 did not want to be traded. He is still sore because he was traded. And if you believe Russ wants to leave because of Harden, not sure what else to say. Correlation vs. Causation.
People saying "Westbrook has to go!" are the same who said "CP3 has to go!" in 2019. It was a kneejerk move then, it's a kneejerk move now.
As tinyman would say, DD is a 99er, his posts are “Pure”... Perspiration vs. Precipitation ... ....... ....... .......
Guess I read fake news. https://www.businessinsider.com/chris-paul-demands-trade-rockets-james-harden-beef-report-2019-6
