The Brooklyn Nets may be open to a James Harden trade, but there are some who might caution against such a move.
A report on Friday said the Nets and Philadelphia 76ers could discuss a potential Harden for Ben Simmons swap ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline.
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks, a former front office executive, thinks the Nets should steer clear of Harden. He made his comments while serving as a guest on Zach Lowe’s podcast.
“I think two years from now, we’ll be talking about James Harden like we talk about John Wall and Russell Westbrook,” Marks said on the show.
Wall and Westbrook are regarded as overpaid guards whose contracts grossly outweigh their ability to help a team. They’re considered major liabilities, with the Rockets even paying Wall to stay home this season.
Harden is 32 but still averaging 22.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game this season for the Nets. He is owed $47.4 million next season but could decline his option to become a free agent. He would still probably get a big contract in free agency, but these analysts think the contract wouldn’t age very well.
Those in Philly may think quite differently from Marks though.
Photo: Feb 1, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
