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There were a lot of moves in the NBA on Monday, but the biggest news wasn’t even a move. It was just a wish.
According to a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Houston Rockets superstar James Harden is trying to do everything in his power to not only get traded, but also to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets specifically.
Wojnarowski notes that Harden, who has three years and $ 133 million left on his contract, declined a two-year, $ 103 million extension, which would have made him the first player in NBA history to reach the mark of the $ 50 million annually.
Harden’s path to his desired destination is not without its obstacles. The package of players Brooklyn could offer, centered on Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen, would be interesting additions to a title contender, but they are not building blocks for a rebuilding team, and they are certainly not an equivalent. pitch for an MVP in his prime.
Brooklyn would have to send considerable compensation for military service, but even then, can he get the job done? The Milwaukee Bucks just sent three first-round picks and Eric Bledsoe to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Jrue Holiday, so what does that say about how many picks would be required to, again, an MVP in his prime?
And given that Harden still has three years left on his contract, not to mention sizable suitors, Houston really has no pressure to give in to his wishes; This is not an Anthony Davis situation.
So Harden to Brooklyn is far from certain.
But I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like. A team with James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving? Can you even begin to imagine How would Golden State Warriors fans feel when the Nets came to town?
Consider the actors:
Harden is loathed by the Dub Nation. Almost everyone who loves the Warriors hates his antics and foul-playing style, and Golden State eliminated him from the playoffs in four of his five runs to the NBA Finals, and fans enjoyed each one.
You do not believe me? Just read the comments in my article on Harden joining the Warriors, where you’ll find comments ranging from “they should sign Jerry West instead” to “only if he comes off the bench.” With the possible exception of Chris Paul, I don’t think there’s anyone Warriors fans enjoy more than Harden.
Irving will always be attached to the Warriors, due to his historic shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. There is a great deal of respect for him because of that shot, but also the anger and disdain that comes with a rival, especially one that has been so … well … you know how Irving is.
And then there is Durant. Durant is likely to get a statue and t-shirt lifted at the Chase Center one day, as he should. And hopefully Warriors fans will always cheer him on.
But it would be foolish to ignore the other side. Durant’s relationship with the fans was always a bit cold: They loved him, but not as much as the local players, and he resented it. Fair or not, fans were upset that he never fully committed to the Warriors and that he spent his final season with the Dubs planning his next move.
Dub Nation will always love Durant for playing a major role in a dynasty and for hanging two banners, but his final year was spent talking to Irving about plans to bond and saying he would have to watch the tape before answering if Steph Curry was better than Irving.
Durant is like a brother to Warriors fans. They love him, but I suspect there are few people they want to beat more than him.
So now add them all up. Harden, the most hated of the Dub Nation. Irving, Dub Nation’s most annoying rival. Durant, Dub Nation’s younger brother. And to make matters worse, DeAndre Jordan, a throwback to the rivalry with the Lob City Clippers.
If it weren’t for Steve Nash roaming the sidelines, the Nets team would be tailor-made for Warriors fans. I almost want it to happen, just for that reason. Just to see the passionate emotions of Warriors fans every time teams collide.
