The Heat are no longer engaging in discussions with the Rockets about a possible James Harden trade, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel (Twitter link).
Miami was said to be among Harden’s preferred landing spot, and a report earlier this month indicated the Heat would be open to exploring the possibility of a deal. However, Winderman hears that the discussions were “never more than cursory.”
The Heat had some interest, but not at the Rockets’ asking price, tweets Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Jackson adds (via Twitter) that one high-ranking Heat official had “strong interest” in a deal and that the team might re-engage if Houston lowers its asking price. For now, Miami is standing firm.
As Winderman points out (via Twitter), the Heat have taken this approach before, shutting down trade discussions on a potential target once the regular season begins — they did so with Jimmy Butler right before the start of the 2018/19 campaign, preferring to push that speculation aside once the season tipped off. Butler eventually made his way to Miami in the 2019 offseason after being traded from Minnesota to Philadelphia during the season.
In order to realistically have a shot to acquire Harden without giving up Butler or Bam Adebayo, the Heat would have to gut their supporting cast, likely including veterans like Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk for salary purposes and then sweetening their offer by including young players like Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and/or Kendrick Nunn, along with future draft picks.
The inclusion of Robinson in a potential deal was said to be a sticking point, though it sounds like the Heat and Rockets may not have gotten far enough in their talks to seriously haggle over specific aspects of an offer.
The Rockets have also had Harden discussions with the Nets, Sixers, and Nuggets, among other teams, says ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Denver isn’t believed to be among Harden’s preferred destinations, but could put together an interesting trade package for a star player.
Smart decision by Miami, they would have to give up so much in a Harden trade that getting him would make the team worse. Not worth it.
100% agree!! Gotta see Herro develop, he could be special
I think at this point, everyone except maybe OKC Orl, Char, and NYK, wants to see what their squad looks like before deciding to blow it up to add Harden.
I bet Harden’s stranded until the deadline, maybe even until the offseason. Even if Brooklyn/Philly could add Harden to build a big three, they probably need the offseason to add the complimentary pieces.
DeathbyDeathwest At their current asking price I agree with you, but we’ll see how long Harden is willing to wait and play nice. He could easily push this issue towards ‘ugly’ territory before next offseason if he wants to. Most guys who demand out don’t mean in another year or two.
True. Everyone in L.A. I eating popcorn and collecting W’s while this settles up.
Good job Pat
Saved yourself the future old man moment on the mic when he challenges everything you spent so long to build from the ground up year 2 in the playoffs
I get why you look at it/into it – But this one just never seemed to fit Mia’s flavor profile
Yes I often insulted Riley after he folded up the Butler table, but not now when Heat found a good recipe and Houston is over-charging the bill!
I’m not sure a Harden trade is really worth it for anyone. He’s obviously a special player but to trade a haul for him and then have to pay his salary is quite a burden.
A team is basically guaranteeing themselves to mediocrity; they won’t have the assets to improve around Harden and they won’t have the cap room to spend around Harden.
For Brooklyn and Miami I think it ALMOST makes more sense to consider offering Kyrie or Butler for Harden than gutting your entire roster to get 3 stars who can’t possibly share the ball
Harden + Durant or Harden + Bam and deep rosters around them would both be contenders
3 dudes who all want to be alphas w/ no role players isn’t all that appealing to me
Imagine how mad Butler would be having to play with Harden all the time, beard is on Kyrie-levels of toxicity now, Steph would never.
I did already
Down 1 in the playoffs late, dribbles up top, fade away 3 … cameras catch Butlers face, Pat has to be hospitalized for an alarmed heart rate…..and then in comes the media
Well,they supposedly wanted Ben Simmons and 3 1st round picks for him,so I assume the collection of players they’re asking for from Miami is just as ridiculous.
Their new gm don’t really seem to understand he’s not in a position of power in these negotiations.This has the potential to end very ugly for Houston.Hardens playing nice for now,but we’ll see how long that lasts.
It makes sense to ask for a lot now — by deadline im sure theyll be fine w much less unless they have rocks in their heads
Feel sorry for whoever trades for Harden. Wouldn’t want him on my team. Why would you want this for 42 mill a yr. Realistically who could get him to change his gm. To fit in with other players on your team. Never happen
link to fadeawayworld.net
Denver, please just say no.
#FreeTheBeard
Guess that Herro, Robinson, Nunn deal ain’t happening.
Yeah, asking for our 3 young talents along with two key vets is a steep price. We made the Finals last year. I’m okay with waiting to see the best deal and fit instead of jumping on a big name that will force us into gutting the team, while not being sure if we’ll be better.
Let’s see about Beal or another star somewhere else. If the asking price for Harden goes down, then we can look it again.
Everybody wants Harden (Be real!) but I doubt anyone will pay the price they are hoping for. Houston is going to have to weather the storm by keeping James or come way down in the asking price to rebuild without him.
Why would the Nuggets get stupid for Harden when they could get stupid for Ben Simmons?
Send Harden to Philly, send Simmons to Denver, and then have Denver send MPJ, Harris, Barton, and picks to Houston.
Houston gets their young all-star and their picks, Philly gets a perfect compliment to Embid, and Denver gets an elite perimeter defender that can create to go along with their elite offense.
Win-win-win.
Nuggets need to stand pat, MPJ is going to blow up this year and become 3rd star.
Also, Jokic and Murray do not need to be poisoned by Hardin.
Murray needs to grow up and nether Harden or Simmons will make that a reality. Fun to watch implode though.