James Harden and Damian Lillard have a simple stance. “Trade us”. The specificity of their request is what makes matters tricky. Harden wants the LA Clippers. Lillard is only going to show up for work if he lands in the Miami Heat. Harden is asking for a trade third time within a few seasons and has a reputation for not showing in full flow if he doesn’t get his desire. The fact that Lillard is demanding a trade is surprising. Given his long-standing commitment to the Trail Blazers and his desire to retire as a Portland player.

A serviceable NBA Guard finds these developments non-encouraging.

Has James Harden built an uninspiring precedent?

While trade demands have been common since the older era of the league, in the present era, elite players seek a new squad despite pairing up with superstars. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, who created the “big three” in Brooklyn, have all become quick trade trigger-pullers. For Harden, the trade stream began when he was in the Rockets. After not finding out a way of the Rockets, he showed up for the training camp late and out of shape in 2021.

He had given nine seasons to Houston but couldn’t figure out how to get past the Warriors in the Playoffs, losing four series against them and winning none. During his “Big Three” Brooklyn Nets, the trio never really played much together. James sought a change in scenery because of the insecurities regarding Irving and Durant. Harden and Irving were having trouble because of their ball-dominant nature. 

He got to the 76ers to form one of the best pick-n-roll duos with Joel Embiid. The Center won the MVP. Despite that, the former Rockets Guard is bent on getting to the Clippers. Unlike Ben Simmons, who refused to play for the 76ers and was rather content with picking fines, Harden did show up for work, but only half-heartedly.

As per Austin Rivers, this attitude is dangerous. On his The Ringer podcast, Off the Guard with Austin Rivers, the veteran showed concern. He considers the new CBA “top-heavy” and lamented the current contract scenario. He believes the CBA is “lopsided” because star players are constantly signing gigantic deals and leaving after a season or two.

This can leave the purse of a franchise in the lurch and because of that, as Austin says, “mid-level guys are signing vet minimum contracts”. Russell Westbrook is one prime example of that. For the former Clippers Guard, this is “a scary dynamic”.

Having been a mid-level exception type of player himself, Rivers can attest to the notion. 

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How does he view stars asking for trades in this context?

Tough summer for the Rivers duo

The Guard stated that this trade demand following a deal is a precedent started by “Ben and James and all those guys.” Acknowledging that he is a “big fan of Damian” and considering the phenomenal scorer as “one of the hardest to guard.”

The whole trade situation put him off. He doesn’t like when stars engage in this kind of behavior. According to Rivers, it brings a question, “What does every other player do? Because you are a good player, you don’t have to show up?”.

This frustration can be a part of a disappointing offseason for both Austin and his dad. Austin remains a free agent with no takers. His father Doc Rivers lost his Philly job following another Conference Semi-Final exit. Having disagreements with Harden and getting out of Conference Semis three times in a row, the coach couldn’t secure his job.

However, Rivers has built a $60 million net worth and his son is a millionaire, so at least economically, these two have done well. However, both of them would like to take the NBA floor soon in different capacities.

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Do you think the trend of superstars asking for a trade regularly is dangerous? Do share in the comments below.