Bobcats may offer #2 pick to Thunder for Harden?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/ey...deal-no-2-pick


Charlotte looking to deal No. 2 pick

By Jeff Goodman | College Basketball Insider
June 14, 2012 12:45 pm ET

The Charlotte Bobcats are eyeing the possibility of dealing the No. 2 overall pick in a trade that would bring a more established player, multiple sources told CBSSports.com.

Rod Higgins and Rich Cho understand that the Bobcats need more than just a talented rookie, whether it be Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Harrison Barnes, Thomas Robinson or even Andre Drummond -- to make the Bobcats compe ive from their laughingstock of a season.

One source said that Oklahoma City's James Harden could be in play due to the Thunder's salary situation following next season. GM Sam Presti already has Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the books for more than $29 million next season -- and both Harden and Serge Ibaka will command huge contracts after the 2012-13 campaign.

Charlotte was an NBA-worst 7-59 this past season and there is no clear-cut second overall pick behind Anthony Davis, who will be taken by New Orleans with the No. 1 selection on June 28.

Beal and Barnes can both help Charlotte on the offensive end while Kidd-Gilchrist and Robinson would bring a toughness, especially on the defensive end. Drummond is a high-risk choice despite his physical tools.

None of these players is considered a franchise-changer -- and that's why the Bobcats would prefer to deal the pick and land an established player such as Harden who could come in immediately and make an impact.

[pass1st]

The draft has shooters with potential to probably surpass Harden, but it would take time and OKCs window is wide open to win for the next few years. Bad time to trade out core

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

All depends on if OKC feels Harden or Ibaka is more important to the core of the team.

[Findog]

All depends on if OKC feels Harden or Ibaka is more important to the core of the team.

I think if they amnesty Perk then they can afford to keep one of them. Right now I think Harden is far and away the better player but Ibaka could turn into a uva player himself if he can become more reliable and consistent with his mid-range jumper. Right now I think he's a nice player, a valuable role player, but a little overrated.

As good as Harden is, I think he's definitely going to get a max offer and he can be the second-best player on a le team. Is it fiscally prudent for OKC to pay a max or near max salary to their third-best player?

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

It was fiscally imprudent for OKC to max out the chimp they have playing PG when comparable players (Rondo, Parker) signed extensions for noticeably less.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

If the price is right after this season OKC should try to sign Harden and Ibaka long term as I agree with Findog that it's gonna be for OKC if they both hit free agency.

[z0sa]

It was fiscally imprudent for OKC to max out the chimp they have playing PG when comparable players (Rondo, Parker) signed extensions for noticeably less.

$80 million

[urunobili]

Kidd-Gilchrist could play a similar role cheaper TBH

[Spurs da champs]

why fix what isn't broken? Besides Harden has found his role; its very hard to see him carry a team night in and night anyways tbh.

[Latarian Milton]

I think if they amnesty Perk then they can afford to keep one of them. Right now I think Harden is far and away the better player but Ibaka could turn into a uva player himself if he can become more reliable and consistent with his mid-range jumper. Right now I think he's a nice player, a valuable role player, but a little overrated.

As good as Harden is, I think he's definitely going to get a max offer and he can be the second-best player on a le team. Is it fiscally prudent for OKC to pay a max or near max salary to their third-best player?

beard ain't just the 3rd best on his team imho. westbrook might have better athleticism but 9 out of 10 times it's the beard who helps his team more. if OKC have to let one of the big 3 walk, it should be Chimpbrk not harden

[benefactor]

As good as Harden is, I think he's definitely going to get a max offer and he can be the second-best player on a le team. Is it fiscally prudent for OKC to pay a max or near max salary to their third-best player?

I don't think it is. It's hard to justify paying that much for three perimeter players. They have painted themselves in a corner with the contract they gave Westbrook now it looks like they might have some tough decisions to make because of it.

I think Robinson or MKG will both contribute immediately in the league and both would make an impact on that OKC roster. Durant is only going to get better and Maynor is coming back for them. All things considered, it's something they at least need to talk about.

[Findog]

I don't think it is. It's hard to justify paying that much for three perimeter players. They have painted themselves in a corner with the contract they gave Westbrook now it looks like they might have some tough decisions to make because of it.

I think Robinson or MKG will both contribute immediately in the league and both would make an impact on that OKC roster. Durant is only going to get better and Maynor is coming back for them. All things considered, it's something they at least need to talk about.

Or like Milton says, maybe think about trading Westbrook. I think it's clear they can't afford all five of Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka and Perkins.

[Nathan89]

Bump.

Does this choking change anything?

[Russ]

Even Michael Jordan isn't that dumb.

[Pelicans78]

Harden is playing as bad as Lebron did in last year's Finals.

[dunkman]

No brainer tbh . . .

[Clipper Nation]

Bobcats probably don't even want him anymore

[Budkin]

That's not happening anymore.

[Nathan89]

That's not happening anymore.

Bobcats have championship aspirations?

[weebo]

Harden is not a #1 on any team. He's nothing more than a nice role player but nothing more.

[TIMMYtoZO]

With MJ as the owner, this deal is very well on the table for OKC.