Lately, there have been rumors that the Rockets want Ben Simmons and three first round picks for James Harden. The internet said this is too much for Harden yet I am completely befuddled that people believe this.
We can all agree that James Harden, despite all his partying, is a lot better than Simmons. Adding Harden to the team would put the Sixers in contention to win the eastern conference with the likes of the Nets, Bucks, Celtics and Raptors.
Lets play a game…
Let’s say the Sixers traded Ben Simmons + their last three first round picks for James Harden; would you say yes?
Ben Simmons + Tyrese Maxey + Zhaire Smith + Matisse Thybulle for James Harden. We all know who wins this trade. The Sixers get the former MVP who has years left to be productive and who wants to win a title bad for his legacy.
I have a theory that draft picks in trades are overrated in the NBA and the NFL when they are being used to obtain established star players, so I will present a couple recent examples and lets see if I am right or wrong. Let me start by saying most recently, Diggs for a first round pick worked out perfectly. Diggs elevated the Bills passing game to be one of the best in the NFL and the VIkings got Justin Jefferson who is one of the best young WRs in the league.
JALEN RAMSEY FOR 2 FIRST ROUND PICKS (2020, 2021) & 4TH ROUND PICK
The Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL and the Rams currently have the #1 Defense in the NFL. The Jaguars drafted K’Lavon Chaisson with their first round pick in 2020 who currently has an amazing 13 tackles on the season. In 2021 the Rams pick will be in the 20s, I am sure the Rams feel they won the trade easily.
BRANDIN COOKS FOR A 1ST ROUND PICK
Rams have cracked the code on trading. They traded a 1st round pick for Brandin Cooks in 2018 which led to the Rams making the Super Bowl, in which Cooks had 8 receptions for 120 yards. The team had the number one offense in the league so I am sure they were satisfied with the trade. Isaiah Wynn, who was selected with the pick, unfortunately has been hurt multiple times but he is a decent player.
JRUE HOLIDAY FOR RJ HAMPTON, ERIC BLEDSOE, GEORGE HILL, 2 1ST ROUND PICKS, 2 FIRST ROUND SWAPS
Yes, this trade is absolutely nuts; however, the goal was to get a player that would convince Giannis to resign and Bucks were able to do so. Giannis just signed a 5 year max. The Bucks were able to get rid of Bledsoe and Hill; however, it is yet to see what RJ Hampton and their two late first round picks will be. I deem this to be a win for the Bucks!
A few other trades for stars that worked out which involved picks and players for stars are AD to the Lakers and Jimmy Butler to the Sixers. AD and the Lakers won a title and Jimmy Butler and the Sixers, even though they did not work out, were one crazy Kawhi shot away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
I will be honest, there are risks. Clippers traded it all for Paul George. I am unsure whether or not to deem this as a W or L. Clippers lost a budding star and a lot of picks for PG13 yet all those picks could end up being nothing and on top of that getting Paul George secured Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers.
All in all, if you have the opportunity to get a star in the NBA or NFL for role players or picks you do it. It has proven to work many times for teams. Remember draft picks are not guaranteed long time players on teams.
Now let me know if I am right or wrong!