Amick: C’s were more interested in Harden than Ainge claims

[CelticsElite]

During the James Harden trade negotiations in December and January, the Boston Celtics were considered to be on the periphery, but their actual interest may have actually been far more serious.

"Boston’s level of interest and involvement far surpassed what [Danny] Ainge was willing to admit to when he addressed it publicly," sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The Celtics almost certainly would have to include Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum in any trade package to the Houston Rockets for Harden.

The Brooklyn Nets eventually acquired Harden for a pick heavy trade package, but no established star such as Brown or Tatum.

https://theathletic.com/2439463/2021/03/10/clippers-and-celtics-trade-updates-buzz-on-kyle-lowry-victor-oladipo-and-more/

[Roy H.]

If Danny wanted Harden, he'd be here.

[Moranis]

Boston probably could have come close if not outright beating the Nets offer without Brown or Tatum.  Especially when you consider they could have used the TPE to take on additional salary. 

Divert Walker to a team like the Knicks for expiring contracts that go to Houston.  Trade Nesmith, Langford, R. Williams, 4 1st's, and 3 swaps.  Then using the TPE and some 2nd's take Gordon.  That seems like a package that is at least on par with the Nets and then they don't give Harden exactly what he wants. 

[esel1000]

Such a dumb report; if Ainge really wanted Harden, he would have included Brown and he’d be here.

He probably was interested in Harden, and didn’t want to give up either Brown or Tatum. That’s not more interest than was initially reported, that’s what we all expected.

The media loves to slam Ainge when he doesn’t get superstars in trades. DA is suppose to trade for every superstar right?

[colincb]

Ainge wanted Harden, but not enough to top BKN's offer.

I'm shocked.

[Ogaju]

he would have been silly not to want a first ballot HALL OF FAMER. There is no way that type of talent is available and you do not try to get him, not if you are trying to win ball games.

[tenn_smoothie]

he would have been silly not to want a first ballot HALL OF FAMER. There is no way that type of talent is available and you do not try to get him, not if you are trying to win ball games.

You could say the same thing about Kyrie Irving and he destroyed the Celtics team he played on.

Harden, from all appearances, actions and words is a self-centered cancer. No Thank You.

[Big333223]

I put almost no stock in the reporting of trades that never happened.

[gouki88]

he would have been silly not to want a first ballot HALL OF FAMER. There is no way that type of talent is available and you do not try to get him, not if you are trying to win ball games.

You could say the same thing about Kyrie Irving and he destroyed the Celtics team he played on.

Harden, from all appearances, actions and words is a self-centered cancer. No Thank You.

Harden is significantly more talented than Kyrie

[Moranis]

he would have been silly not to want a first ballot HALL OF FAMER. There is no way that type of talent is available and you do not try to get him, not if you are trying to win ball games.

You could say the same thing about Kyrie Irving and he destroyed the Celtics team he played on.

Harden, from all appearances, actions and words is a self-centered cancer. No Thank You.

Harden is significantly more talented than Kyrie

Not just more talented, but a significantly better basketball player and one that doesn't miss 25% of his teams games. 

[gouki88]

he would have been silly not to want a first ballot HALL OF FAMER. There is no way that type of talent is available and you do not try to get him, not if you are trying to win ball games.

You could say the same thing about Kyrie Irving and he destroyed the Celtics team he played on.

Harden, from all appearances, actions and words is a self-centered cancer. No Thank You.

Harden is significantly more talented than Kyrie

Not just more talented, but a significantly better basketball player and one that doesn't miss 25% of his teams games.

Yup. Significant gulf between fringe All-NBA player and perennial MVP candidate

[Rikibellevie]

Harden is a wonderfull BB player and is showing right now his personnality and talent right now. But if they fall second round in PO with bad defense/drama/injurie, I am sure many will question again all the conviction we have now on him.

[CFAN38]

I put almost no stock in the reporting of trades that never happened.

I agree, any GM who is actually doing his job should at enter into every trade discussion possible in order to properly gauge the value of his players and other players across the league.

[PhoSita]

Isn't the Celtics' interest always far greater than Ainge is willing to "admit" publicly?  Ainge doesn't show his cards.

Doesn't mean they made any really serious offers.

[wdleehi]

More interested sound fine.


It is not the same as "willing to offer more."