BIG THREE?
James Harden Trying to Shoehorn Himself into Nets Neighborhood
James Harden wants out of Houston and to prove his point has turned down a two-year $103 million dollar contract extension. Instead of potentially becoming the first player in history to break the $50 million per season salary barrier, he instead requested a trade to Brooklyn.
Sure he did ...
The Houston Rockets franchise is falling apart like wet toilet paper and Harden knows it. Former general manager Daryl Morey left the organization, coach Mike D'Antoni is no longer there, Robert Covington was recently traded and now Russell Westbrook says he wants out as well. Besides, I guess it's easy to snub your nose at another ten million when you're already making forty million per season.
Not that I have any experience with that ...
Harden asked for a trade to Brooklyn indeed, where he has convenience and familiarity on his side. He is former teammates with Kevin Durant when the two played at Oklahoma City, and his former head coach is now an assistant with the Nets. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in recent weeks have been in frequent communication. Woj says Durant is enthusiastic about a potential deal and that contrary to rumors, Kyrie Irving is not known to be opposed. Woj also says the Nets and Houston Rockets have spoken. Discussions are being characterized as nothing serious.
Wednesday is the NBA draft. If such a deal should occur, the potential cost for acquiring James Harden is being speculated to include anyone from Spencer Dinwiddie to Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen along with a slew of draft picks. Some pundits say it would take someone more talented like Kyrie Irving in order to facilitate any trade.
I'm opposed to all of it.
I understand Spencer Dinwiddie's value is as a trade chip. However, I am particularly protective of Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. First, Allen is my favorite player. But, mainly because Harden still has two-plus seasons left on his present contract. He can become a free agent in 2022 if he opts out of the final year of his deal. Then what? Maintaining three super-max contracts on the roster is extremely prohibitive.
I'm also completely averse to trading away draft picks. This organization has already been there and done that. The Nets are now on the other side of Billy King's disastrous Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett trade. Waiting out the aftermath and smartly rebuilding is what laid the foundation needed to sign Durant and Irving in the first place.
Why put yourself right back into the same hole?
I was completely geared up for Kevin Durant's return to the floor, and playing a full season together with Kyrie Irvin. I was satisfied with that. Otherwise, I reserve further judgment.
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