Boston Celtics: Pros and cons of trading for James Harden

The Boston Celtics picked up a huge opening night victory over the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday, but should they still make a move for reigning scoring champion James Harden?

Yesterday was the ideal opener any Boston Celtics fan could have possibly asked for. After falling behind early due to the predictable dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo (35 points, 13 rebounds) and secondary dominance of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday (52 points combined), the Cs were able to pull off a come-from-behind upset to take the first game of the season.

Visually, there was nothing more pleasing to a Celtics fan than the sight of Jayson Tatum hitting what would be the game-winning shot against the Eastern Conference’s best team the past two seasons.

What made it so incredible was that it was shot over the league’s most imposing defender in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even if Tatum didn’t call bank, he still gave the NBA one of its great opening night memories of this topsy-turvy 2020-21 season.

The win was an inspiring one, but that doesn’t mean that the red carpet has been laid for Boston to march into the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are establishing a juggernaut in Brooklyn, and the Miami Heat should be able to withstand the losses of Jae Crowder and Derrick Jones Jr. and remain a contender.

Danny Ainge could still make moves to establish the Cs as a contender, and they have been linked to a certain bearded superstar.

Here are the pros and cons of the Boston Celtics trading for James Harden: