The Houston Rockets have failed to live up to the preseason hype and expectations that they would be legitimate NBA championship contenders. Now it’s on them to figure out how to turn things around. The addition of Ty Lawson to a team that reached the Western Conference Finals last season didn’t put the Rockets over the top the way some expected it would. In fact, the team has taken a massive step back as they might not even make the playoffs. That cost Kevin McHale his job and his replacement, J.B. Bickerstaff, hasn’t fared much better since taking over . We know that the Rockets are trying to dump Dwight Howard and as crazy as it might sound, there are some that believe the best course of action for Houston might be for the team to trade its best player, James Harden. While he’s a talented superstar, he’s poor at the defensive end and he apparently has some chemistry issues with his teammates. If the unlikely becomes likely, here are four potential James Harden trades that could work.
Harden to the Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, David Lee & Picks
The Boston Celtics are in the market for a superstar player and even though Thomas has emerged as an All-Star this season there is a very good chance they would jump at the opportunity to acquire Harden. Thomas would be able to step in as a talented and complete point guard with a bright future while the Rockets would likely take on Lee’s expiring contract for some salary cap relief. Houston would also demand a first round pick that they could in turn try to package with a couple of other pieces in order to try to acquire another star.
Harden to the Magic for Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon & Picks
It’s no secret at this point that the Orlando Magic offered a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers that involved Gordon and Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Blake Griffin that was denied. Would they offer Oladipo and Gordon in exchange for Harden? The potential is certainly there for the Magic to push hard for Harden as part of their pursuit of a superstar player. Houston would get a couple of quality young players in Oladipo and Gordon as well as a first round pick that they could try to package in another deal or hold on to depending on what route they want to take.
Harden to the Nuggets for Danilo Gallinari, Gary Harris & Picks
The Denver Nuggets have reportedly shopped a package of players led by Gallinari and it could be something that the Rockets consider if they feel there are enough quality pieces involved. Houston would want Gallinari, Harris and perhaps even Kenneth Faried from Denver in exchange for Harden with the potential to supplement their return with draft picks.
The question for Denver is whether or not it’s worth it to give up a bunch of quality parts for a superstar. Harden is lackluster from a defensive perspective but it’s not as if their current unit is that good at that end, and it doesn’t look like their current roster will amount to much anyway. A superstar could revitalize the franchise.
Harden to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell, Nick Young & Picks
If the Rockets think that Russell is destined to become a star in the NBA, they could potentially reach a massive deal with the Lakers that would send the LA-native Harden home in exchange for Russell, Nick Young and draft picks. The Lakers have a clear desire to land at least one superstar player in the near future and with Harden potentially on the market, there is no doubt they would want to get in on the action. There is no guarantee that Harden will be moved and the reality at this point is that it is actually more unlikely than likely that he will be dealt. That said, there are a handful of potential deals that could work for Houston, so it wouldn’t be a complete shock if they decide to really shake things up and trade Harden in the near future.
