Boston Celtics: Breaking down hypothetical trade for James Harden

Why the Houston Rockets do it

As previously mentioned, the Boston Celtics have one of the more compelling trade packages that teams could offer the Houston Rockets for James Harden. Despite Harden’s discontent with the franchise, the Rockets are holding out for an offer to their liking in any deal for the star. As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported earlier in the offseason:

"“The Rockets are demanding an especially steep return for Harden, a perennial MVP candidate who has led the NBA in scoring the past three seasons: a proven, young star as a centerpiece along with a massive picks package, according to sources.”"

Houston’s high demands include a young star in return for Harden in any deal, and Jaylen Brown is just that. The 24-year-old is coming off a career-year where he averaged 20.3 points on .481/.382/.724 shooting splits, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.9 minutes per game, and he is improving in the early stages of this season. Marcus Smart is no slouch himself, as the two-time All-Defensive guard is coming off a career year, while Romeo Langford helps bolster their depth even further.

Boston’s offer of Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Romeo Langford, and three first-round picks seems to fit the bill for Houston’s hefty asking price. The draft selections set them up nicely for the future, and they also get three guards that keep them in playoff contention in the present. This is one of the better offers that the Houston Rockets could potentially contemplate, but given the Celtics’ recent track record, it likely remains just a pipe dream.