New York Knicks Receive: James Harden
Houston Rockets Receive: RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, No. 8 Pick, 2021 First-Round Pick (via DAL), 2023 First-Round Pick (via DAL)
In most trade scenarios, the Knicks would hold onto RJ Barrett. Earlier this month, Knicks reporter Marc Berman opined that the Knicks would likely have to part with either Barrett or Mitchell Robinson to acquire Paul George.
If that would be the cost to acquire George, it’s a safe bet that New York would have to give up something similar to get Harden.
Before we address the deal from both sides, let’s discuss why Barrett is included over Robinson. The Rockets arguably need a player of Robinson’s stature, but in order to take on Harden’s salary, the Knicks need to include Randle.
New York has far more backcourt depth than front court depth, so the simplest way to get a deal done would be to include Barrett. This would also give the Rockets a guard with a bright future to fill the big shoes of Harden in his hypothetical departure.
