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

Pros for the Dallas Mavericks of the Rockets trading James Harden

James Harden is a top ten player in the league, a perennial all-star, an MVP candidate, and maybe the best active one-on-one scorer in the NBA. In a normal season, the Mavs would play the Rockets four times. If the Rockets trade James Harden, their offense will take a step back and in turn provide the Mavericks with four easier matchups.

Although nobody knows exactly where James Harden will be traded, most of the rumors have James Harden landing in the Eastern Conference. If Harden ends up in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, or even Chicago, the Mavericks would not have to worry about facing one of the best NBA players before the NBA Finals. The West is already loading with talent, so Harden heading to the East improves the Mavericks chances of a deep playoff run.

When star players are traded, the team who sent them packing rarely receives a “fair” return, especially in the short-term. No trade package can equate to the value of James Harden this season. While the Rockets could receive heavy draft compensation, the team would not realize that value for years. The Rockets would need time to build up the firepower to challenge the young duo of Luka and KP in a seven-game series.

If the Rockets had an offer they liked, they may have already traded James Harden. By not moving him, Houston has created media distraction and turmoil within the franchise for their current players. Now, the Rockets have to focus on James Harden rumors instead of on-court production, allowing the Mavericks to fill the void and surpass their division foe.

Next: Cons