'Knicks for Clicks'? James Harden Really Wants Trade to New York?
The news of a potential James Harden trade is catching many by surprise. The inclusion of the New York Knicks as a possible suitor? That is catching nobody who is aware of the "Knicks for Clicks'' phenomenon by surprise.
We know that Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden will exercise his $35.6 player option with the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a lead-in to a trade away from Philly. But then the ESPN insider Woj went a step beyond and identified the two teams he said can be expected to explore a deal for the controversial superstar.
Woj mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers and called them "the most prominent team" eyeing Harden. But then he also tossed out the Knicks - who we will concede are are in the market for a star, with the assets in the cupboard available to pay the price - as a potential bidder.
And ... we're not so sure that is the way the situation is leaning. First, we're not convinced the Knicks are convinced that this is truly a winning move. Indeed, one report suggests New York management is split on the concept. Then there is the question of whether the 76ers would trade Harden to another team within the Atlantic Division. And of course most of all in this agent-driven league, we have no idea what Harden himself wants.
And in the end, that's how this is going to work. Teams will feel out what the Sixers want only after feeling out what Harden wants ... and with all due respect to Woj, we think suggesting that the Knicks have already done all that homework and have come to a "go for it!'' conclusion on a Harden pursuit is premature.
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