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Do the Knicks have the assets to trade for James Harden?

By Allen Settle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 02: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 02: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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What is the best offer the New York Knicks would make for star James Harden?

As we enter the holiday season eagerly anticipating the launch of the NBA’s 2021-2022 season, now is the perfect time for fan bases to dream. This particular time of the year is also famous for fantasizing about receiving the perfect gift. In the case of the New York Knicks, it seems like the perfect season to day dream about finally landing the transcendent talent the franchise has so desperately craved.

It just so happens that a certain major talent in Houston may be nearing the end of his tenure with the Rockets. No. I don’t mean newly acquired former All-Stars John Wall or DaMarcus Cousins. I’m talking about perennial MVP candidate and consensus top player James Harden.

Sure. This is a longshot. Harden’s availability has been a hotly debated topic in recent months. Additionally, there is little reason to believe that Harden would have any interest in joining a floundering Knicks team. This would especially be true if the team were to give up its future draft capital and young assets to land the superstar.

However, for the sake of argument, let’s dive into a few interesting, Harden-centric, questions.

Could the Knicks offer Houston a package they would consider?

The quick answer is: yes. Nearly every team in the league has some combination of young players and future picks that would appeal to Houston. However, it would mean seriously mortgaging the franchises future.

Remember the 2011 trade for Carmelo Anthony? While the acquisition of a superstar was of great benefit, the team parted ways with several skilled players in the process. In addition to the draft picks, Denver also added Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, and Tomofey Mozgov. All four players went on to have solid, long, NBA careers.

It would take a similar haul to pry the former MVP out of Texas. In fact, it would likely leave New York even more talent deprived than before. At the very least, the Knicks would have to offer:

It is almost certain that the Rockets would also inquire about Mitchell Robinson in exchange for (or possibly in addition to) the other three young pieces in this deal.

Would a trade for Harden be worth it for the the Knicks?

This trade would land the star New York has been craving since Anthony’s departure. However, it would also gut the future of the roster. The aforementioned trade would leave the Knicks with the following lineup:

  • PG: James Harden
  • SG: Austin Rivers
  • SF: Kevin Knox
  • PF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
  • C: Mitchell Robinson

Players such as Elfrid Payton, Nerlens Noel, and Immanuel Quickly would then serve as the main options on a shallow bench.

Would this team make the postseason in a weak Eastern Conference? Yes. Would they be serious postseason or championship contenders? Almost assuredly not.

Winning in the NBA takes star power. But it also requires a complete roster. You may be tempted to see the appeal of a Harden, Knox, Robinson core and ponder the possibility of adding other complimentary pieces along the way. However, that fact that the Knicks would mortgage both their future draft capital and their cap space in this hypothetical trade cannot be overstated. They would be hard-pressed to find more than average players to add around their lone star.

What is the biggest hurdle for the Knicks?

At the end of the day, the high price tag would not be the biggest hurdle for New York to overcome. The fact remains that Harden would be better off staying with a more talented Houston roster, or forcing his way to a legitimate title contender, rather than joining a fledgling Knicks team.

Harden is under contract until the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season. He is also without a no-trade-clause. However, in a modern NBA where superstar players have more control than ever over their destination, there is little reason that the star would even consider wasting his prime years with a poor Knicks depth chart.

Conclusion

The landing point in this conversation is simple. Could the Knicks assemble a package worthy of acquiring Harden? Absolutely. Is there any chance that trade would actually work out? Realistically, no.

The only interesting part of this hypothetical transaction is whether the Knicks would be better off if they were somehow were able to court the MVP.

Next. Evaluating the Knicks PG rotation. dark

In my estimation, Leon Rose and company would be wiser to punt on the acquisition of a superstar and continue their current pursuit of a generation talent through the coming draft classes. This seems to be the only real avenue to adding star power without crushing the rest of the roster.

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