I still think, if he comes back, it's more likely that the Rockets trade everyone for a star wanting out like KD, rather than Harden trying to babysit 20 year olds. I thought it was really interesting during the summer when KD made up with James and then included Philly in his trade destinations. They could definitely have something like this up their sleeves. I don't think James wants anything to do with the current regime. If he's coming in he's not gonna be alone.
Hat or mask? Hatmask? And don’t forget the matching slippers. And the clown bag. Spoiler ALT: Clown walking in to work
Lol- now that you highlighted Rockets Legend options like John Wall. Russell Westbrook Dennis Schroder Pat Beverley Goran Dragic Austin Rivers. As the next best options for the ~1.75 max salary space - i now think the Rockets should give Harden a supermax and a no trade clause and a Bubba Gump franchise. What a **** FA class - that's exactly why in the unlikely event Harden's available they should snag him.
I'd definitely be cool with Harden coming back as the starting PG. At a season ticket holder meeting at the end of last season, Stone did a Q&A and he mentioned that they were targeting this summer's free agent class and trying to compete starting next season (as in 23-24) because OKC owns our pick, so that lines up with a Harden return as well.
Your also bringing back the 2nd best player in franchise history somebody who jersey was already going to be retired. If he were to return it would solidify everything I just said. not saying it’s likely he returns but if he did and the rockets can get the number 1 pick draft Wemby while also bringing on another max/near max player with Harden. that’s a potential championship roster year one. We have to remember Green would be going into his 3rd year which typically is the big Jump year. Bari would instantly become a 18-20ppg scorer off spot up jumpers and rim rolling and hustle baskets. I would love a Harden return if we land the number 1 pick. he can still shoot the 3 at 36-37% on high volume and he’s one of if not the best passers in the entire league and can still drop the occasional 30+ point game. He’s still solid for 20/10/7 for the next 3 years imo. and if we can land Wemby who know maybe he’s the guy everyone says he’s going to be and is an allstar year 1 and a superstar mvp type by his 3rd year. if we can land the number 1 pick this off-season Id go all in on Harden and whatever 2nd tier allstar that’s available. and let’s get Houston and Harden that rockets championship.
They're not ready yet. This is a move Harden could make in 3 years time. But not right now. 20 year olds don't win in the NBA.
I'm a little confused... Did you put together this list to make the argument that Harden is a good option? I'm not seeing better free agents than Harden on that list. The reason not to take Harden back is that he'll be too old when our young guys develop into something. We won't get any better players to come here in free agency this offseason. The reason not to get him is more about where we are as a team than how good he is.
Why trade for harden and potentially get knocked out of top 5 pick when you can suck this year and get harden for free
