The massive return that New Orleans received from Milwaukee in a trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday would seem to help the Houston Rockets in trade talks involving James Harden, per SNY’s Ian Begley.
In the Holiday trade, the Bucks sent Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, three future first-round picks, and two pick swaps to the Pelicans.
If that’s the level of return for a very good (but not elite) guard in Holiday who is in the final year of his contract, just imagine what the Rockets might command for an All-Star and perennial MVP finalist like Harden — who also happens to be under contract for at least two more seasons.
“That deal certainly helps [Houston’s] case,” an opposing executive said Tuesday, according to Begley.
Nets offseason big board with notes on James Harden, Spencer Dinwiddie, Serge Ibaka, Brooklyn potentially shedding salary and more: https://t.co/MdSIBV4Gig
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 17, 2020
Besides setting a very high bar for any trade negotiations, the Holiday trade might also help the Rockets in scenarios where they keep Harden.
For Harden to be content returning to Houston after making a trade request to Brooklyn or perhaps Philadelphia, the 31-year-old would probably like to see the front office at least attempt to grant his wish.
Given the massive return that New Orleans received for Holiday, it could make it easier for the Rockets to eventually tell Harden’s representatives that while they did explore deals, they have yet to be offered fair market value. Unless that dynamic changes, Houston appears content to keep Harden with the Rockets for at least the 2020-21 season.
