The Houston Rockets need to demand all they can for James Harden
On the latest episode of ‘As James Harden’s World Turns,’ it was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium that the Philadelphia 76ers are now willing to send Ben Simmons to the Houston Rockets in return for Harden.
If this trade happens, the 76ers will be perceived as the winners of the trade before the ink dries. Sure, they will gain a guy who can average 30-plus points per game in shape or out of shape. But will this move get the Sixers any closer to what should be the ultimate goal, which is winning a championship within the next couple of years with Harden and Joel Embiid?
This will also depend on who/what else the Sixers will be forced to part ways with along with Simmons in this trade, should it happen.
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Since Harden does have two years remaining on his deal, the Rockets will not, and should not be inclined to give Harden away too easily. Ask for the moon, stars, the sun, and throw in Saturn or Jupiter if you can get them.
If Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey wants his former player that badly, then the Rockets should not make this negotiation a walk in the park for Morey in any way. Harden is a three-time scoring champion, seven-time ALL-NBA, and the 2017-18 NBA MVP. On top of that, Harden should still have a few great years of prime play left in him. Regardless of how he has looked upon finally reporting for the start of the preseason.
The Rockets will need to fully evaluate what life in the Western Conference will be like moving forward with two primary ball handlers of which neither is known for his shooting ability. Pairing Ben Simmons with John Wall may work in NBA 2K, but in a loaded, real-life Western Conference the Rockets may struggle to finish in the top 10.
Acquiring multiple players and draft picks for Harden is essential if the Rockets intend on competing in the West anytime soon. The Rockets should take their time in evaluating every trade scenario and offer from every interested team that has the assets to make any potential deal a reality.
The Rockets have taken a step in the right direction, though, by not immediately caving to the shenanigans of their star player and just taking what they can get for a player they may feel has become more trouble than he is worth.
In this, the Rockets have regained some semblance of leverage over the situation no matter how minuscule it may be. Indeed, the Rockets have sent a message to Mr. Harden, and that message is this trade will go down on our terms, not yours.