I would 110%. It would weaken OKC while giving the Blazers a tremendous asset. Not that it would ever happen, of course.
Garnett, Allen, Pierce (won title before Rondo became elite) Kobe/Pau/?? (won title before Bynum was considered "dominate" Lebron/Wade/Bosh Parker/Manu/Duncan (if he still insists on being a PF) Dirk/mavs
Because if you're X amount over the luxury, the luxury tax exponentially increases. The new CBA makes it abundantly clear as to why you don't want to be in deep luxury tax areas.
I'd trade anybody on the roster (yes even LMA) but the truth is OKC is going to work out an extension with him this summer; they'll let Ibaka walk or amnesty Perkins before they break up their trio of superstars ... hell even if they were going to break those three up the most likely candidate to get shipped would be Westbrook IMO.
Am I crazy? I think he has more ability to dominate a basketball game than LMA, he's younger, he's had fewer health and injury concerns ... Don't get me wrong, I think LaMarcus is a very, very good power-forward and I'm happy to have him, but if the goal is to add the most talent, Harden would be an upgrade -- maybe only slightly, but still an upgrade.
I think you guys are way overrating Harden. Like a ton. He's not that good and will never be as good as Roy was in his prime.
You guys think OKC would do that deal, Harden for Aldridge? I sure do. Do you think our team would have made the playoffs this year with Harden instead of Aldridge? PG Felton SG Harden SF Batum PF Hickson C Przybilla Bench: Crawford Matthews Thomas Babbitt Flynn Smith x2
And you base this one what? Harden isn't just some random chucker, he has that "it" factor. - 22 years old - 21.1 PER - 9.3 WS PER36: 19.3 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 4.7 APG | 49 FG% BRoy's career PER36 numbers: 19.2 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 4.7 APG | 46 FG% At the same age Roy's advanced numbers weren't as impressive as Harden's, but pretty close.
I'd like to see Harden have per36 numbers like that when he isn't the third best player on his team. Roy put the Blazers on his back.
It's just my opinion that if Harden is ever the best player and #1 option on a team, he will not be able to do what Brandon did. I base it on what I've seen from both of them as players.
OKC wouldn't have to pay luxury tax until after the 2014 finals. There is no reason for them to trade away a piece of a contender until that time.
Roy never played during his prime =/ but I do agree with you. Roy's peak will be above Harden's. I think it's a bit unfair to compare career stats to one season. As mentioned by others, their roles are completely different as well. I think Harden is going to be very, very good, but I do think he could struggle as a clear #1. I think him and Aldridge could be great together though, and I'd give up anyone on our roster outside of LMA for him. With that said, I'd also love to get Thomas Robinson to pair with LMA for those assets instead because I think it's easier to get a good wing player than a good post player. Lillard would be fine as well though, as I think he'll be fairly affective in the league.
You aren't alone, I agree. The game has shifted from one dominated primarily by big men to a perimeter/slashing oriented game. The more guys you have that can create for themselves the better off you are.
Dude right now is the same age as Roy was his rookie year. He just put up a 21 PER playing 3rd fiddle. I think he'll be just as good as Roy was in 2 years.
