James Harden Trades - Wolves as Third Team

[Lipoli390]

After Morey shot down the report that the Sixers might trade Simmons for Harden, I'm convinced the Sixers are no longer in the running. The latest report indicates that the Heat and Nets are the two teams in the running right now. Looking at what both teams have to offer, I think Harden will end up with the Nets.

I would bet that Rosas and Gupta are trying to work themselves into a Harden deal as a third team. That's probably why they released RHJ. My guess is that the Wolves would want to end up with Tucker in the the deal. It would fit the Rosas model of continuing to pursue players he initially wanted when he got here, e.g., Russell and Rubio. Apparently, Rosas has wanted Tucker, which is not surprising since Rosas was part of the front office team that brought Tucker to Houston.

So what are some realistic three-way trades that would get Harden to Brooklyn and bring Tucker to Minnesota?

[Lipoli390]

By the way, I don't think either the Nets or Rockets need a third team to do a Harden deal. It looks like the Nets could trade LeVert, Dinwiddie and Allen for Harden consistent with the CBA salary match rules. I would guess that the Nets would have to kick in a future draft pick or two, but they have all their future first round picks plus a number of second-round picks to give. And I don't know that they'd have to give up a lot of picks. LeVert, Dinwiddie and Allen are all very good young players and there isn't a huge market for Harden.

So if the Wolves entered the fray, it would be based on Gersson's desire to land Tucker or someone else. That wouldn't bode well for the Wolves. The way a third team does well in a deal like this is when one of both of the two main teams need the third team. That's what can give the 3rd team leverage. But I wouldn't put it past Gersson to make the Wolves a 3rd team and give up too much for the 35-year old Tucker.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

What do we have to offer as the third team involved that either of those teams would want? We don't have picks to give up and why is Houston moving Tucker for one of our players? I don't think we are a third team in this deal.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

My hope is that Minnesota stays out of all James Harden deals unless by some miracle Ben Simmons is involved and heading to the Wolves. Outside of that, they have no need to be a third team.

[FloriDuh [enjin:13427829]]

Posters think we need Ben Simmons to make the playoffs. Wrong.

What we need is a generic version of Ben, like a Ben Summons or a Ben Simons. Think Mountain Lightning or Dr. Bob.

Generic is sometimes equal or better to name brand.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Posters think we need Ben Simmons to make the playoffs. Wrong.

What we need is a generic version of Ben, like a Ben Summons or a Ben Simons. Think Mountain Lightning or Dr. Bob.

Generic is sometimes equal or better to name brand.

I would give up a lot for a Great Value brand version of Ben Simmons.

[Phenom]

Ed Davis should be the extent of what the Wolves offer for Tucker. Maybe a second round pick with him. Which means there is still a spot for RHJ.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I guess I'm not seeing the Tucker love.

I don't think he'd even want to be here. He's on the downward slope of his career. And he's definitely one of those guys who excels on good teams with smart teammates vs. mediocre teams with so many unproven players.

I think a team like the Wolves would be asking for more than he's able to provide at this point. For all the accolades, he's still just a 7 ppg/ 6 reb guy in Houston.

[KiwiMatt]

I guess I'm not seeing the Tucker love.

I don't think he'd even want to be here. He's on the downward slope of his career. And he's definitely one of those guys who excels on good teams with smart teammates vs. mediocre teams with so many unproven players.

I think a team like the Wolves would be asking for more than he's able to provide at this point. For all the accolades, he's still just a 7 ppg/ 6 reb guy in Houston.

If he played for the Wolves Tucker wouldn't get away with half of what he currently gets away with in Houston. He would all of a sudden start getting called for fouls for the linebacker physicality he defends with.

I have ZERO interest in acquiring him. Would rather roll the dice with Okogie playing PF.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Yeah, I'm not sure I'd give up anything of actual value for Tucker. I've never understood the hype he gets. He's an okay role player who has been spotlighted due to Houston's play style. That's about it.