Grade the Trade: Knicks pull off James Harden blockbuster in new pitch
Would the Knicks accept this trade?
The New York Knicks have reached this point as a solid playoff team by being patient. They didn’t push their chips in for Donovan Mitchell last summer, they have allowed the draft to come to them, and they are developing young players even while Tom Thibodeau wants to run the vets.
Yet in the end, teams win championships by being bold, not timid. Harden would absolutely revolutionize the offense. Having two ball handlers to share the load would be elite, and both Brunson and Harden can shoot. The fit could work offensively.
Could it work defensively? That’s when things start to break down, but the Knicks certainly have options to insulate Harden and Brunson. Is this worth giving up RJ Barrett? If the Knicks believe he won’t ever be a long-term star, moving him now for an established star is a smart move. Harden could leave next summer as an unrestricted free agent, but the Knicks would have an excellent chance to re-sign him.
NBA titles aren’t won by the timid, but neither are title teams built through rash decisions. Even if the next league year imposes a strict deadline, the Knicks have time to ensure they are on the same page before making the deal. It would raise their ceiling and drop their floor impossibly low. Is that worth doing?
Maybe, maybe not.
Grade: B-
