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Portland Trail Blazers: The Pros and Cons of trading for James Harden

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts toward the referee during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts toward the referee during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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James Harden has identified the Portland Trail Blazers as one of his preferred trade destinations. What are the pros and cons of the Blazers trading for him?

James Harden recently identified the Portland Trail Blazers as one of his preferred trade destinations. Harden has had a complicated last few months, where he has seen his current team in the Houston Rockets go through a mini re-build and then have COVID issues to start the season, meaning various personnel have missed games.

The Rockets can contend while they have Harden, but as he has demanded a trade, they need to move him. If they want to maximize the return they get, it needs to be to one of his preferred destinations.

What are the pros and cons of the Portland Trail Blazers trading for James Harden?

Pro #1 – he is one of the greatest scorers of all-time

Harden is one of the greatest scorers ever to grace a basketball court. He holds records that he took off the likes of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. He is the greatest volume shooter, not named Stephen Curry, and draws fouls at rates not seen since Jordan or Chamberlain’s days.

And even though it seems like he doesn’t take care of himself, Harden has never missed more than ten games in an NBA season. His biggest assets are production and shotmaking.

If the Blazers traded for him, they would get an instant 30 points a night.

His efficiency is also at some of the higher levels seen in this game. Very few players can average 30 a night as it is, but to top 30 points a game while also hitting efficiency of 60 plus true shooting, is impressive. Harden has won three straight scoring titles while averaging a minimum of 61.6 percent true shooting.

Harden is one of the greatest scorers ever and would instantly upgrade a team’s offense if he was traded there.