The Heat allegedly withdrew from James Harden’s commercial negotiations with the Rockets. This does not mean that Miami no longer wants Harden. The Heat just found Houston’s asking price too high.
What is the asking price?
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
They said Rockets want much more than that https://t.co/vuJXSVJ09Y
– Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 31, 2020
Tyler Herro makes sense as the centerpiece of a Harden trade. Herro is only 20 years old, has been under the team’s control for several years and comes from a stunning postseason.
But Herro’s story of starry games is short. Harden is a permanent MVP candidate still in jail for almost two seasons. Rockets should demand much more.
Duncan Robinson pushes the package in the right direction. But he is still just an actor who will receive a big boost in restricted free agency next summer.
Robinson’s incredible 3-point shot would also make him fit well with Harden, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in Miami. The Heat probably doesn’t want to part with Robinson.
Of course, getting a superstar like Harden would require sacrifice. Miami is probably not going to negotiate Butler or Adebayo. But the Heat – removing the lottery protections in the first round of 2023 that they owe to Thunder – could send the first rounds of 2025 and 2027 to Houston. Miami can also include Precious Achiuwa and KZ Okpala.
It looks like there is a fair deal to attack – unless a team like 76ers (Ben Simmons) or Celtics (Jaylen Brown) offers a more valuable player than Herro. But at some point, Houston may have to cut the asking price. Or the Heat could increase its offer. There is a great middle ground available for trade.
For now, the Rockets remain in a waiting pattern.