Watch: Brian Windhorst gives hysterical advice to 'undefeated' James Harden
At long last, James Harden was traded to the L.A. Clippers. Harden had been angle for the move since the start of the offseason. Daryl Morey lowered his asking price after a strong start to the season from the Sixers. Removing the distraction made sense. Harden has successfully navigated his way out of a third team.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes Harden should open a consultancy firm once he retires. The firm would specialize in helping players force a trade.
"When James Harden's career is over," Windhorst said. "He should open up a consultancy where he advises players on how to get traded because he's untouchable. And I'm not saying this tongue-in-cheek. He gets exactly what he wants, when he wants, under his terms. Victory today for James Harden."
Harden's decision to force his way out of Philadelphia has hurt his stock. It's telling that only one team showed an interest in his services. He will need to rebuild his value and reputation around the NBA. Harden will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he can't make things work with the Clippers, he could struggle to make an NBA roster next season. He's playing a risky game.
If things go well, though, Harden could be hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy at the end of the season. The Clippers now have four future Hall of Fame candidates in their starting five. They have a superteam. The issue is that superteams often fail. There are too many mouths to feed. Too many egos to stroke.
There's a lot to like about the Clippers roster following their addition of Harden. But there's a lot to dislike about how Harden went about making this trade a possibility. The mercurial guard has a chance to make history with the Clippers. Winning a championship is likely the only thing that makes this saga palatable. Otherwise, the trade is nothing more than a failed roll of the dice for the Clippers and another blemish on Harden's legacy.
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