This is probably wild fantasy, but I wonder if there’s any way the Warriors could sign Harden to a one year deal, just as a temporary replacement for Klay. Can you imagine Curry and Harden in the same back court? Both can play either PG or SG, and they could stagger their times, as Houston did when Chris Paul was there, so there would always be an elite point guard on the court. But when they were on the court at the same time, how would teams guard them both?
The Warriors don’t have anyone they could offer Houston in return, at least not anyone they’d be willing to give up for just one year of Harden. But if a third team, say, Philly, makes a long-term offer for Harden that Houston likes, maybe the Warriors could insert themselves into the process. In return for the one year, the Warriors would send money and/or players to Philly, which would take possession of Harden for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
Would Harden himself approve of such a deal? I assume he wants out of Houston to pursue a title. If he joined the Warriors, GS would instantly become a strong title favorite. If they did win it all, it could only help Harden, if his negotiations with Philly were still ongoing.
The Warriors don’t have anyone they could offer Houston in return, at least not anyone they’d be willing to give up for just one year of Harden. But if a third team, say, Philly, makes a long-term offer for Harden that Houston likes, maybe the Warriors could insert themselves into the process. In return for the one year, the Warriors would send money and/or players to Philly, which would take possession of Harden for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
Would Harden himself approve of such a deal? I assume he wants out of Houston to pursue a title. If he joined the Warriors, GS would instantly become a strong title favorite. If they did win it all, it could only help Harden, if his negotiations with Philly were still ongoing.