Ainge has liked James Harden for a long time. We all know how close he got to him in the Jeff Green trade. What has changed since then ? Wouldn't he still be after Harden & his game ?
Would Morey trade his biggest acquisition after hitting the Western Conference Finals with him at the helm just last season ? With the Rockets in somewhat of a disarray, is now the time to break it all up ?
I'd assume the Rockets would immediately start the package off with one of our strong defenders. Smart, Bradley, or Crowder. Maybe 2, to be honest. Or maybe you give up one, plus #3 this year, the 2017 Nets swap, and the 2018 Nets pick.
Who knows what would get it done. I just think Ainge has Harden #1 on his big trade board. It wouldn't surprise me at all if that is the guy he's eyeing right now while the Okafor rumors swirl.