NBA trade rumors: Next destination for James Harden, Chris Paul

THE Houston Rockets should be the center of trade talks in the NBA. The era of GM Daryl Morey has passed, and the NBA could probably mend their relationship with China again. The revenue lost is no joke; losing China and losing ticket sales are way too much damage for the NBA.

Morey is actually James Harden’s biggest fan and defender. When the Rockets traded for him, they also gave him a coach to maximize his talents. With Coach Mike D’Antoni, Harden averaged over 30, 36 and 34 points per game in the past three seasons.

Those are higher than Michael Jordan’s career average, which prompted Morey to say that Harden was “the best offensive player in history.” Well, Morey also put out a full-page newspaper ad where he thanked the city of Houston, the Rockets organization and specifically, James Harden “for changing his life.” Go figure.

End of an era

Morey gave Harden the full rein — a coach and a roster with plays centered on him. The high pick-androll was specifically designed for his offensive skills. But they peaked in 2017, and that was it. With Morey and D’Antoni gone, “ultimate small ball” dies with them, and all bets are off for James Harden.

The latest reports have the Rockets veering off Jeff Van Gundy — probably a Morey recommendation. The Rockets new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is not as all-out as their last one. He will seek returns if they pay the luxury tax — returns that the current line-up would not be able to deliver.

If the Rockets seek a neophyte, younger coach, that means they are rebuilding. The team has lost their future draft picks to form their two- MVP backcourt. If they want assets back, they will have to trade them away.

It’s not an easy task. Harden (or even Westbrook) can easily make a team playoff worthy, or close. However, they have very real drawbacks and they are already set in their style of play. You know what you’ll get, and you just need to see what ELSE you can do around them.

New directions

Even if the Philadelphia 76ers did not take Mike D’Antoni, they still have Doc Rivers. At least, he is a big-name coach. The Sixers will have to part ways with one of their stars, and the Rockets will clearly take either of them in a heartbeat — but that’s unlikely.

The Sixers got Doc Rivers to make Simmons-Embiid work, they’ll try it at least one season before blowing it up. For Harden, look at teams like the Chicago Bulls or New York Knicks, even the Sacramento Kings. They want a star, they know they won’t be contenders, and when fans are back, they would have a reason to buy a ticket.

Not to say that no contenders would seek him out. If the Milwaukee Bucks strike out, they could be desperate to give Giannis Antetokoumpo a big name, just to say that they tried.

Chris Paul renaissance

Maybe not a rebirth — CP# still had his basketball IQ even when he had injuries. This season, his body caught up with his mind, and he didn’t have a ball-heavy, high ego MVP beside him. He has shown that he can make a team MUCH better. For teams that fall short in the playoffs, Chris Paul is the one who could take you up a notch.

The drawback is that he has a huge contact — a team may have to trade a huge name, or a lot of contracts including some good ones. You would be giving up assets for the future for a two-year run.

Aside from the Milwaukee Bucks, the LA Clippers fit the category. It would also fit in with their hobby of annoying the Lakers. Doc Rivers is gone anyway. But Paul George has to be the center of the trade and his value has plummeted.

The Phoenix Suns gained a new perspective on their team in the bubble. Do they think they can have a playoff run now? The package will center on Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre plus picks.

A CP3-Devin Booker backcourt is definitely interesting.