James Harden has everything to become a legend in the history of the league… Well, almost everything, since collective success is not yet present. Tired of always losing at the same stage in the playoffs, the Bearded Man could have desires elsewhere. That’s good, a team in the East would have the assets to attract him.
The seasons pass and look alike for James Harden in Houston… Since his arrival in Texas in 2012, the leaders associated him with various stars, like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, then Russell Westbrook, but the result is unfortunately always the same: defeats in the semi-finals or the conference finals.
It is difficult to know who is to blame for these “disappointing” results, as James Harden was strong in the Rockets jersey. Of course, he has sometimes disappeared in the playoffs, but it is thanks to him that the franchise has found itself in a position to compete for a title.
But now, after another failure in postseason against the Lakers, and after the departure of Mike D’Antoni, the Texas leaders could be tempted to start again from 0, by separating from the MVP 2018. And if they decide to look for a trade partner, an Eastern Conference team seems to be the ideal base. Journalist Andrew Miller explains:
If the Rockets want to trade James Harden, having players who are promising for the future, and who give the franchise a chance to win in the West, is a good solution. There, they could receive draft picks to prepare for the future, and a good chunk of the players who make up the hard core of the Bulls.
The Bulls could offer the 4th pick in the draft, more first rounds spread over the coming years. That’s a lot, but bringing James Harden to Chicago is no small feat. Executives are also expected to send Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and Otto Porter.
For Houston, the exchange is interesting, since in addition to recovering another big scorer in the person of Zach LaVine, the franchise could also count on young people with great potential. For Harden, he would have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, and bring Chicago back to center stage. An exciting challenge.
It’s hard to imagine Houston parting with its best player. But it may be time for a change in Texas after a umpteenth disappointment in the playoffs.
