By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
On Wednesday, the Brooklyn Nets gave up a lot to get James Harden from the Houston Rockets. A lot as in, eight first-round picks a lot. What would the Celtics equivalent offer have been, if they had continued their pursuit of Harden?
According to Brian Robb of Boston Sports Journal, it would have been steep. Robb is reporting landing Harden would have cost Boston Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and ‘multiple’ first round picks. Given what Brooklyn gave up, it’s safe to assume ‘multiple’ in this context doesn’t mean two or three.
Robb goes on to say that Boston declined that deal during the offseason, before seeing the leap Brown has made in 2021. The 24-year-old is averaging 26 points per game through 10 games, and is actually outscoring Harden. In addition, Smart has been thrust into the starting point guard role with Kemba Walker still recovering from a knee injury.
MORE: Danny Ainge expects the Celtics to play on Friday
Through the early portion of the season, the Celtics have been just fine without Harden. Behind the strong start from Brown and Jayson Tatum, the C’s boast an Eastern Conference-best 7-3 record. Meanwhile, the Rockets started just 3-6 before moving Harden to Brooklyn on Wednesday.
However, now Harden is in the Eastern Conference, and the Celtics will have to deal with him on a regular basis. Will that shake up the power balance of the conference? Brooklyn is currently 7-6 and dealing with plenty of drama outside of Harden, with point guard Kyrie Irving leaving the team and seemingly cutting off all lines of communication.
This isn’t the first time Danny Ainge has been reluctant to trade Brown for a superstar. To this point, that reluctance has paid off with Brown evolving into an elite scoring threat. Can he stay on that track? With Harden being 31-years-old, will Brown surpass him in the near future? Those questions will shape how this Celtics non-trade is viewed long term.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.