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[arambone]

As I recall, Danny was on the verge of getting Harden instead of Green in the Perk trade. http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/14/what-if-james-harden-had-been-traded-to-boston-in-the-perkins-deal/

The Simmons Podcast:
http://cdn16.castfire.com/audio/303/2117/7141/592311/simmons_2011-05-12-160911-3953-0-1-0.32.mp3?cdn_id=33&uuid=0ae9323ec5d6ee220a6ceb41f09db851&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fprobasketballtalk.nbcsports.com%2F2011%2F05%2F14%2Fwhat-if-james-harden-had-been-traded-to-boston-in-the-perkins-deal%2F

Presti first wanted to trade Harden for Perk, but changed his mind to Green. I'd bet Danny could have gotten Harden with a little extra sweetening of the deal. Then Ray could have been traded last season not for Mayo, but for a high pick or a legit 3, 4, or 5.

Oh well, I think Green will be a fine replacement for Pierce.

[apc]

I remember it a little different.
Danny wanted Harden, Thunder insisted on Green.

[KG Living Legend]

 Yeah we all know. I'm unhappy because we traded are starting five for a back up to Pierce. With Harden we would of had are backcourt set now for at least five years. Too Bad.

[arambone]

Not sure if true:

 

Listening to @sportsguy33's podcast: Sean Grande says Presti was going to trade James Harden instead of Green, then changed his mind.

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4:53 PM - 13 May 11 ·

Podcast should be linked to above. https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/status/69188542257045505

[JSD]

I remember it a little different.
Danny wanted Harden, Thunder insisted on Green.

This.

[letsgoblue86]

Yeah it's too bad we couldn't have gotten Harden.  Kid's a stud.

[Fafnir]

I'll pile on with others and dispute the OPs premise. I don't think that OKC was going to part with Harden for Perkins. They traded Green to free up more minutes for Ibaka/Harden. Trading Harden doesn't accomplish that goal because he still would be blocking Ibaka.

[RyNye]

I'm unhappy because we traded are starting five for a back up to Pierce.

We did?! So how are Rondo, Pierce, and KG doing in OKC these days, or did they get flipped even further?

[Roy H.]

If Harden could have been acquired, Danny would have gotten him.

[Neurotic Guy]

I agree with others that Danny wanted Harden and settled for Green/Kristic/Pick (Melo).   Remember also that Hardin just signed a 5yr/$80 million contract.  That's just about double Green's deal per year (Green = 4yr/36M).

[Roy H.]

Remember also that Hardin just signed a 5yr/$80 million contract.  That's just about double Green's deal per year (Green = 4yr/36M).

I'd much rather have Harden, even at twice the money.

[nickagneta]

Remember also that Hardin just signed a 5yr/$80 million contract.  That's just about double Green's deal per year (Green = 4yr/36M).

I'd much rather have Harden, even at twice the money.

Also with Harden and Bradley we wouldn't have spent $11 million a year for the next 3-4 years on Lee and Terry.

I also can not fathom that anyone would believe that Presti would ever have looked to move a 21 year old Harden when he still had him under rookie contract control for 2 1/2 more years for Kendrick Perkins. Presti had offered Green a reasonable contract extension and was turned down, much like what just happened to Harden. When it became clear Green wouldn't take his lower offer, Green was going, much like Harden just did.

Presti's standard operating procedure is clear to see. Harden was never an option for Ainge to get for Perkins. I don't care how many pundits thought he was prior or slightly after the Perkins/Green trade.

[Change]

I deserve a pat on the back. Called it in 2009

I know its just rumors, but if Ainge is interested in the 2nd overall pick 4 Rondo. If you had to pick a player class 0f 2009, Who can come in and play right away? He has to be ready mentally & physically.

You know Ainge has an eye on someone, and I guarantee you its James Harden. This guy's game is more polished than Kevin Durant. Two words describe his game smooth and crafty. His game is compared to Pierce & Manu. He has all the moves (inside & outside) with a great jump-shot to go with. His body type is suited for SG, but I just wonder if he can be converted to PG. Passing skills is tremendous, but not like Rondo's. I just love draft experts, how they always try to find Weaknesses. Well his weakness is his athleticism (Weaksauce) & I beg to differ. Dude is 6'5" & has 6'11" wingspan.

I think its an interesting idea. Forget all the Tyreke Evans BS, Ainge has an eye on this guy. This guy is the real deal

James Harden, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins.

[pearljammer10]

If Harden could have been acquired, Danny would have gotten him.

This. As I recall Danny asked for Harden and OKC wouldnt even listen.

[LooseCannon]

I wouldn't be shocked if Ainge asked for Harden, knowing that he would be refused, and that gave him some of the leverage needed to get the Clippers pick instead of OKC's own first round pick.