Tony Jones, a long-time reporter for ‘The Athletic,’ appeared on ‘The Zach Lowe Show’ and destroyed the trade hopes of fans of the LA Clippers worldwide. Fans expected that any team interested in James Harden would have to submit at least one first-round pick, preferably an unprotected one, but Jones said the former MVP isn't worth it and that Ivica Zubac leads the Clippers’ roster in trade value.
Though Clipper Nation might be adamant on a return for Harden, is Jones entirely wrong? No, Zubac is undoubtedly Lawrence Frank’s best asset and should be protected at all costs; he is the closest player to untouchable LA has.
However, Jones' perception on Harden’s stock compared to a first-round pick is mistaken and on the wrong track. The best way to realize this is to glance over the most recent blockbuster trade in the NBA.
The return for Durant disproves Tony Jones’ logic around Harden
Age is one of the most prominent factors in trades, and Tony Jones indirectly used James Harden's 36 years as a knock on his value. Yet, the former MVP is hall-of-fame bound, and one of history’s only shooting guards who has vindicated the principle of being timeless.
On the contrary, if Harden is not worth a high draft pick according to Jones, then how did the Phoenix Suns land a first, and so much more, for Kevin Durant?
Granted, Durant is a better playoff riser, with two championships. He is the slightly more dominant basketball player, but he is older, has an injury history, and has not entered the postseason in years.
Harden and Durant have their pros and cons as competitors, and similarly, their trade value is somewhat neck and neck. Thus, it is unfair to the LA Clippers to claim what they cannot receive for their prized floor general.
There is no player in the NBA, averaging an efficient 26.0 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, who is not able to lure an appealing draft asset. In fact, he just went toe-to-toe with Durant, posted 29 points and six assists on 50% shooting, and blew the Houston Rockets out of the Intuit Dome.
That said, the two-sided truth Jones tried to share is partially right. Ivica Zubac is certainly the marketing piece Lawrence Frank will use in trade talks. On the flip side, the cost for Harden is not far off, and should not be dealt without the involvement of a first.