James Harden should undoubtedly stay off the Knicks’ radar
Earlier today, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that the Philadelphia 76ers are set to trade James Harden, who opted into his $35.6 million player option. So the former MVP is now expected to play on his fourth team in four seasons. However, that fourth team should not be the New York Knicks, who are among the possible suitors that Woj cited.
The Clippers and Knicks are expected to be among the teams that'll engage with the Sixers on a potential James Harden trade, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/NQ5Y6xkvAx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2023
Acquiring the 10-time All-Star at this stage of his career would be nothing short of idiotic.
The New York Post already sounded off on the idea but I want to reinforce it. As I have said in many previous posts and daily shows, the Knicks are finally building something. Leon Rose has constructed the skeleton of a contender naturally and without any severe cap constraints. Josh Hart opting into his 2023-2024 player option helps New York a great deal. They can now pursue a free agent using the $12.4 million mid-level exception (presumably Donte DiVincenzo).
But even thinking about adding Harden risks ruining everything Rose has going right now. Jalen Brunson is significantly younger, better and less injury-prone. Why take the ball out of his hands and give it to a guy with a label of playoff no-show? The difference between those two is that the two-time national champ plays up to the moment, while Harden plays down to the moment.
If the Knicks want to do business with the Sixers, they should instead target the 2023 MVP, not the 2018 one.
I really shouldn’t have to write about this. But once again, this is the Knicks we’re talking about. I don’t know if they’re fully removed from making embarrassing mistakes.
They gave Denver the Jamal Murray pick in the Carmelo Anthony trade. They put all their eggs in the Kyrie Irving-Kevin Durant basket only to see them join the Nets instead. Remember when Isaiah Thomas used to run this team??? Acquiring a 34-year-old James Harden, that is painfully regressing, would fit right into those other decisions.
Personally, I have faith that they’ll make the right choice. Pursue a different star that fits in with their timeline and aspirations. If not, they only have themselves to blame.
Harden is a test for this Knicks front office. Don’t take the shiny object. It’s just like when you’re walking on 5th Avenue and see the street vendors selling knockoff designer handbags. Just look ahead and keep it moving.
