Dallas Mavericks: Pros and cons of James Harden trade for the Mavs

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Dallas Mavericks James Harden Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks: Pros and cons of a James Harden trade for the Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks have played in one of the toughest division in basketball for the last two decades. While most people think of Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, the Mavs’ other rival in the lone star state has posed challenges as well. From difficult battles against Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to their recent run with James Harden, the Mavericks and Houston Rockets have a long history.

Since 2012 the Houston Rockets have tormented the Mavericks and the rest of the NBA due to the dominance of Harden. In his eight years in Houston, The Beard has been an All-Star every year, won MVP in 2018, scored the most points per game from 2017 to 2020, and lead the league in assists in 2017.

Houston knocked the Mavericks out of the playoffs in 2015, but that was the only postseason meeting between the two. Harden’s Rockets have never made it past the Western Conference Finals, though. They have built the team around him and changed the pieces multiple times, but have never been able to win it all.

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Dallas Mavericks impacted if James Harden is the next to leave Houston

Russell Westbrook, Mike D’Antoni, and GM Daryl Morey have all left Houston since the 2019-2020 season ended. Now, rumors are swirling around James Harden’s future with the Rockets. There have been rumored trade talks, but no deal. Harden arrived in Houston for the first time on Dec. 8. He has still not practiced with the team or officially reported to training camp.

With videos circulating of James Harden partying with Lil Baby and clearly in no rush to join his team, it appears Harden is holding out until something changes or the Rockets trade him. So what does this mean for the Mavericks? The Rockets no longer have Robert Covington or Russell Westbrook, but they did pick up Christian Wood, DeMarcus Cousins, and John Wall. As of now, it seems like the relationship between Harden and the Rockets is coming to an end.

The future of Houston’s culture and identity is in question, and the Dallas Mavericks are ready to step into the driver’s seat in the division. So what will this season look like for Dallas if Harden continues to hold out or if he gets traded? Here are the pros and cons of a James Harden trade for the Mavs.

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