Availability of Harden?

Post #1 » by **nate33** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 3:09 pm

Harden is obviously a good player, but I can't help but notice that you're not starting him and that you are also in need of good big men. Could Harden be had for the right trade package?

For example, would OKC trade Harden for a #6-8 pick in the draft? In that range, you could get Ed Davis, Cole Aldrich, Patrick Patterson or Hassan Whiteside. Or is that just not an enticing enough package?

I ask because Harden would be a perfect fit on the New Wizards. He's an unselfish complimentary player who would be perfect alongside Arenas. It's hard to find young players like that. Meanwhile, the Wizards don't have a crying need for one of the big man prospects that figure to go in the 6-8 range.

The Wizards could throw in Nick Young as well. So it would be Young + #7 pick for Harden? Does that interest you, or am I way off base?

Post #2 » by **slick_watts** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 3:32 pm

That's close to decent value for Harden if the Thunder think they can get a game changing big in that range, the problem is that I just can't see Harden being traded for anything short of proven talent. If Harden comes back next year having lost a bit more weight and able to finish better at the basket, he'll probably be starting. He has a really developed skill set and the only thing holding him back is some mental stuff and his finishing ability. We'd want proven talent back in return..

wiff · Post #3 » by **wiff** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 3:37 pm

I think that is a reasonable package, and I don't think you are way off base but I really doubt Presti trades Harden. Just because he isn't starting doesn't mean they don't value him.

Presti came from the Spurs organization and obviously Ginobli was a much better offensive player than Bruce Bowen, yet Bruce started. The Spurs have a philosophy of having a defensive wing who starts. I heard them mention this over the weekend during the Spurs and Suns game.

Now who's to say Thabo still starts for the Thunder next season? But it wouldn't shock me. I think there is a different mind set when teams are playing catch up.

Long story short I don't think he is untouchable I just think the package is going to have to blow the Thunder out of the water.

Post #4 » by **nate33** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 4:25 pm

Thanks for the feedback.

no D in Hibachi · Post #5 » by **no D in Hibachi** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 5:39 pm

I'd include a future protected 1st in addition to Nick Young to make it happen.

Jimmy76 · Post #6 » by **Jimmy76** » Mon Mar 1, 2010 9:41 pm

same as what the above said

decent value but unless some game changing proven big is offered I dont see Harden leaving

mcmokken · Post #7 » by **mcmokken** » Tue Mar 2, 2010 12:45 am

slick_watts wrote:That's close to decent value for Harden if the Thunder think they can get a game changing big in that range, the problem is that I just can't see Harden being traded for anything short of proven talent. If Harden comes back next year having lost a bit more weight and able to finish better at the basket, he'll probably be starting. He has a really developed skill set and the only thing holding him back is some mental stuff and his finishing ability. We'd want proven talent back in return..

I agree with the proven talent thing, which makes it less likely Harden would be moved anytime soon.

dream_catcher_9 · Post #8 » by **dream_catcher_9** » Tue Mar 2, 2010 2:52 am

less than 1% chance Presti trades Harden.

We just drafted him less than a year ago, he is helping the team win games, he is 20 years old, and he is a good kid. You don't trade away players like that ever, unless you get blown away with a trade offer.

Balkman32 · Post #9 » by **Balkman32** » Tue Mar 2, 2010 8:49 pm

Harden has fit in so well with the group (Durant, Green, Westbrook). Just because he is not starting does not mean anything. It would be hard to pry him way. Plus the Thunder would have to extend Young's deal. I would say no deal.

ThunderPoke · Post #10 » by **ThunderPoke** » Thu Mar 4, 2010 7:49 pm

James Harden is unavailable.

Durant (obviously)
Westbrook (obviously)
Green
Harden
Ibaka

Are all unavailable, period. The best anyone could hope for in a trade with the Thunder would be Maynor (only if the offer is lopsided), Krstic, or Collison.

Post #11 » by **wizkid27** » Fri Mar 5, 2010 3:52 am

ThunderPoke wrote:James Harden is unavailable.

Durant (obviously)
Westbrook (obviously)
Green
Harden
Ibaka

Are all unavailable, period. The best anyone could hope for in a trade with the Thunder would be Maynor (only if the offer is lopsided), Krstic, or Collison.

I think that is probably true, with the obvious exceptions of the whole "if someone offered you Dwight for Ibaka, you're obviously going to take it" kind of ridiculousness. It's not that these players are all amazing or too valuable to be traded, but more that I think they all fit into the culture and style that the Thunder are trying to build. Thus far, it seems that part of that style, is trying to keep away from the crazy amount of trades that have players so often saying "ehh, it's a business, i'll play where they tell me to play". I think Presti will try to keep the core together, if for no other reason to preserve the (potentially naive) mind-state that this team is more than just a business.