In the NBA, we remember star players’ careers by how many championships they’ve won. Is that fair? Not necessarily. Basketball is a team sport. There are plenty of contextual factors that determine whether a player ends his career with a title.
Yet, that’s the standard. So, when a star player is nearing the end of his career, and he hasn’t won a title, they start to panic. They may make rash decisions.
Look at James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. Since leaving the Houston Rockets, he’s requested two more trades. Now, he’s apparently angling to land on the Los Angeles Clippers. Could he head to the Boston Celtics instead?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Derrick White, F/C Al Horford, G Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics Receive: G James Harden
In fact, “ring culture” has been a talking point in recent years. Some like it, and some don’t. It’s a difficult debate. On the one hand, it’s fair to say that individual accolades shouldn’t be highlighted in a team sport. We understand that position.
On the other hand – what are these guys playing for? The championship is the ultimate goal. Why should media and fans treat it as anything less?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Either way, the quest for a title typically defines a star player’s career. That’s why Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers wants to join the Miami Heat. It’s also what’s driving Harden towards the Clippers. Would he contend for a ring in Boston?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
We think so. Harden could be exactly what the Celtics need. Is he a perfect player? No. Harden’s heliocentric tendencies have come under fire in recent seasons. He’s also a defensive liability.
Sure. He just happens to be exactly what the Celtics need. This team has been missing a ball-handler and playmaker in recent years. Feel how you must about Harden, but he’s one of the NBA’s best in both categories.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Losing White and Horford stings. At the same time, Harden will be replacing White in the guard rotation – if Malcolm Brogdon is healthy, Boston will be good for guards. Meanwhile, they acquired Kristaps Porzingis already this summer – he’s an upgrade over Horford. Does this deal upgrade the Sixers in any way?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
In a win-now sense? Probably not. Making a win-now upgrade is nearly impossible once a star player demands a trade. Sure, Daryl Morey has a way of drawing blood from stones. This feels like a situation even he can’t resolve.
After all, Harden is making an annual tradition of requesting a trade. No team is likely to give up a superstar package for him. With that in mind, this ought to work.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If nothing else, the Sixers land two strong rotation players here. With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the roster, that ought to be enough to keep them competitive.It could be enough to help them win the NBA championship.
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