Kevin Pelton said he heard ...

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Kevin Pelton said he heard that James Harden had requested a trade if Chris Paul was not traded before the season. He said this on a recent NBA ringer podcast.

Some people on here noticed that it seemed like the Celtics signed rookies right after the Westbrook trade, as if Ainge was holding onto them unsigned so he could trade their draft rights. Some thought that meant the Cs were after Westbrook.

What if they weren't after Westbrook, but after James Harden?

The Westbrook trade never really made sense to me, especially given that we just signed a point guard. On top of that, trading Hayward (the only way to make salaries match) with young pieces seemed like an awkward fit with our timeline, CBS system, etc. Westbrook also seems like a player who is a tier below the upper echelon, which means it didn't make sense to go all-in for him.

But what if Ainge was after Harden?

A trade package of Hayward, Brown (or Tatum), Langford, and oodles of draft picks probably was Ainge's deal.

Walker-Harden-Tatum-Williams-Williams with Kanter-Theis-Poirier-Edwards-Ojeleye-Wanamaker might have contended.

I'm sure Ainge is monitoring the situation in Houston closely. If they struggle, Westbrook probably gets flipped to Miami. But then is Harden gonna be happy not competing for championships? Would he request a trade?

[Fafnir]

That's an interesting thought, it certainly could have been! It depends on how aggressive Harden was in pushing the issue. Morey is certainly the type to line up contingencies.

I think its more likely we would have been a facilitator for a different Westbrook trade destination. But a mega offer for an unhappy harden would certainly be something Ainge would try.

[johnnygreen]

Thank goodness Houston was able to trade Paul for Westbrook. As someone who loves the game and the Celtics, I wouldn’t want to see Harden in green. I find him to be virtually unwatchable and hate how easily he gives up.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

To be clear, I'm in the continuity camp. I'd rather keep Hayward, Brown, Tatum, and Walker moving forward and focus on internal development.

I agree that Ainge not signing the rookies was a smoking gun. I just think it makes more sense that he was after Harden not Westbrook.

[ChillyWilly]

Thank goodness Houston was able to trade Paul for Westbrook. As someone who loves the game and the Celtics, I wouldn’t want to see Harden in green. I find him to be virtually unwatchable and hate how easily he gives up.

Not a fan of his game under Dantoni but that's how that style of offense is run. This is why he's considered a regular season wiz and post season flop.

I blame Dantoni for this monster more than Harden. Maybe I'm wrong.

[Silky]

It would have involved Hayward to make a deal work, so Hayward and this years draft picks for Harden?

Yup.

[timpiker]

Thanks for the rumor - love the gossip!!!  I for one am sure glad we didn't go for Westbrook or Harden.  I'm glad Cryee the Ballhog is gone and sure as heck don't want to replace him with another bigger ballhog like those 2.

[ETNCeltics]

I detest watching Houston play. Harden's style of play is unwatchable, imo. Would hate to see him in green.

[Jiri Welsch]

Lol what's with the clickbait title?! 

[Spilling Green Dye]

It would have involved Hayward to make a deal work, so Hayward and this years draft picks for Harden?

Yup.

I am pretty sure it'd have to be a lot more than that.  I'm guessing also Jaylen and multiple draft picks too.  Not saying I want this to happen, just that Morey would rightfully be able to get a lot for Harden

[gpap]

Thanks for the rumor - love the gossip!!!  I for one am sure glad we didn't go for Westbrook or Harden.  I'm glad Cryee the Ballhog is gone and sure as heck don't want to replace him with another bigger ballhog like those 2.

Pretty sure I'd like to see Harden in green.