James Harden’s time with the Houston Rockets could soon be coming to an end.
One of the most likely destinations for the former MVP seems to be with the Brooklyn Nets.
Sending Harden to Brooklyn would feasibly pair him with former teammate and fellow former MVP Kevin Durant. While the duo would, on paper, be one of the most dangerous tandems in the NBA, sports pundit Max Kellerman believes the acquisition would make the Nets a worse team.
.@MaxKellerman says a James Harden trade would make the Brooklyn Nets WORSE.@StephenASmith is appalled, “WHAT?!?” pic.twitter.com/ETKUyZtakI
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) December 24, 2020
It may seem like a statement made simply for the sake of getting a rise out of people, but Kellerman is likely far from alone on this thinking. After all, the Nets easily dispatched of the Golden State Warriors on opening night, 125-99.
Beyond that, it is unclear what the Nets would have to give up to gain Harden. It seems unlikely they’d be willing to part ways with star guard Kyrie Irving. However, losing valuable pieces, such as Spencer Dinwiddie or Caris LeVert, are not out of the question.
While Harden is obviously a more talented player on the court, the defending scoring champ comes with tons of baggage. Recently, Harden has been nothing but a distraction for his current team.
Earlier this week, the Rockets and NBA were investigating a video that seemed to depict Harden partying at a strip club while not wearing a protective mask amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of that, recent reports have detailed the special treatment he’s demanded from the Rockets recently.
With all that in mind, there is little doubt that Harden would be a major weapon for the Nets.
Ultimately, it may come down to the front office having to decide whether or not the trouble Harden may create off the court would be worth the magic he’s known to create on it.
