If Harden wanted to sign here and Brooklyn would do a sign and trade (and not ask for Tatum or Brown), then absolutely bring him in even as it hard caps the team.  It is no secret I wanted to acquire Harden last year, even at the expense of Brown, I'd absolutely bring him in as a free agent in some sort of Horford + young assets/draft pick type trade (even if the young assets are R. Williams, Nesmith, and Langford).  Harden is arguably a top 5 player and is clearly a top 10 player right now.  You bring those guys without giving it a second thought.