Trade Speculation: 'Cats No. 2 pick for James Harden per CBSSports Blog

[cdandi1]

http://www.cbssports...-deal-no-2-pick

The Charlotte Bobcats are eyeing the possibility of dealing the No. 2 overall pick in a trade that would bring a more established player, multiple sources told CBSSports.com.

One source said that Oklahoma City's James Harden could be in play due to the Thunder's salary situation following next season. GM Sam Presti already has Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the books for more than $29 million next season -- and both Harden and Serge Ibaka will command huge contracts after the 2012-13 campaign

None of these players is considered a franchise-changer -- and that's why the Bobcats would prefer to deal the pick and land an established player such as Harden who could come in immediately and make an impact.

My only question would be..would he sign a contract extension?

[Panthro]

Do they have sign and trades still?

[Zaximus]

If he signs a extension, I'd be for this. He's only 22.

[Wanderlai]

He's the 3rd option on his team but has played great at times. Could he be the focal point of a team? I'd think the Thunder would have to include something else for the #2 pick. Who would the thunder target at 2?

[Sapper]

My guess is they are targeting Beal if they want to deal Harden. I wouldn't mind the trade if we could package Carroll or Diop with the trade.

[carolina-chuck]

Only if Harden is willing to sign an extension.

[Captain Morgan]

interesting....however, when Durant and Westbrook are on your team, you are far

from the focus on the defense. If he game to Charlotte, he'd immediately be the focus

of other defenses. Could he still be effective in that role?

[Panther_Brotherhood]

I say no for one reason...that being he played his best against second units. In the series against the Lakers, Harden vanished when the Lakers matched up their first team against him. True Kobe was guarding him, but Kobe shut him down to the point Harden was just another body on the court

[BountyHunter]

One thing to remember is, that any trade for our pick would have to net us a no 1 pick in return. With Chicago holding a protected 1st of ours, the NBA won't allow any trade that has the possibility of us going 2 years in a row without a first rounder. As remote as it would be, trading for Harden straight up would leave open the chance that we wouldn't have a first rounder this year and next. OKC would have to give us their 1st along with Harden. That probably wouldn't be a big deal for the Thunder as any player at that spot wouldn't be a game changer.

[B wood]

hell no

[thatlookseasy]

It would be really nice to get a player like Harden, who can create for others off the dribble and would immediately come in with the best 3 point shot on the team. I'm just not sure he will be worth the big contract its going to take to keep him around, considering his somewhat irregular minutes with the Thunder (usually playing with the 2nd unit) and his below average defense. He is still young, so I guess the question is, do you think he can develop into a go to player (if not the only one, then one of the top 2 or 3 players on a successful team)?

[Captain Morgan]

One thing to remember is, that any trade for our pick would have to net us a no 1 pick in return. With Chicago holding a protected 1st of ours, the NBA won't allow any trade that has the possibility of us going 2 years in a row without a first rounder. As remote as it would be, trading for Harden straight up would leave open the chance that we wouldn't have a first rounder this year and next. OKC would have to give us their 1st along with Harden. That probably wouldn't be a big deal for the Thunder as any player at that spot wouldn't be a game changer.

we have two firsts next year anyway, and the pick we owe Chicago is protected enough so that it won't be a factor next year.

[GotSwag?]

I like James Harden but I only do this trade if Harden signs an extension and we get their first pick in return.

I dont see any way though that OKC trades Harden. They will sign Harden and trade Ibaka or Perkins if they needed to clear up space.

[thatlookseasy]

I like James Harden but I only do this trade if Harden signs an extension and we get their first pick in return.

I dont see any way though that OKC trades Harden. They will sign Harden and trade Ibaka or Perkins if they needed to clear up space.

The thing is, its going to be very difficult to keep both Harden and Ibaka once their rookie contracts are done, and I just dont see OKC letting Ibaka go. You could argue (correctly imo) Harden was a bigger part of their success this season, but 22 year olds who lead the NBA in blocked shots dont come around often. And since OKC has already built their team around 2 perimeter players in Westbrook and Durant, it kind of leaves Harden as the odd man out.