Brooklyn Nets: Should there be worry about Knicks trading for James Harden?

Should Nets fans be worried about the Knicks swooping in and trading for Rockets star James Harden?

Remember two weeks back when it appeared that disgruntled superstar James Harden could be dealt to the Brooklyn Nets at any moment? That seems like ages ago as the trade hysteria surrounding the scoring phenom has simmered in significant fashion since then.

At this point in the saga, you know all the details: Harden turned down a monstrous two-year extension from the Rockets and proceeded to list Brooklyn as his only preferred destination. Since then, however, it’s become clear that the franchise is in no rush to give in to his demands, and the consensus opinion among insiders is that he will begin the 2020-21 season with Houston.

Furthermore, Nets GM Sean Marks has hinted in interviews that he has no interest in depleting his resources to acquire another ball-dominant playmaker.

Well, with seemingly every reporter in the business throwing cold water on the Harden-Nets buzz, should fans in Brooklyn be worried about the crosstown rival Knicks swooping in and potentially striking a trade for the eight-time All-Star?

Harden has been adamant about wanting to play alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Nets, but let’s not forget that he doesn’t have say where he ends up. After all, he’s under contract for two more seasons and Houston’s new regime has no personal ties to him.

Their only priority should be trying to recoup some of the draft capital that GM Daryl Morey jettisoned during his tenure before leaving for Philly. In other words, they Rockets will accept the best available offer and won’t feel guilty in dealing him to a potential non-contender, which begs the question: what sort of package can the rebuilding Knicks offer the Rockets?

Objectively speaking, the Knicks have the resources at their disposal to meet Houston’s absurd asking price, which reportedly includes a handful of intriguing young assets and a plethora of first-round picks.

Whether they appease the Rockets, however, is the million dollar question. In a vacuum, three or four of Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett would likely have to be included in the trade — alongside three first-rounders, of course.

We’re no experts, but we wouldn’t count on that package piquing Houston’s interest. While it remains to be seen who the Rockets are in discussions with, we’d be shocked if teams interested in trading for Harden couldn’t offer a better deal.

Because of that, Nets fans shouldn’t be the least bit worried about the former MVP lighting up Madison Square Garden.

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