There is one potential name
This is a huge longshot, but if Tim Bontemps of ESPN is anywhere near correct in one particular potential shakeup this summer, then it is a shot that James Jones must stand in the way of.
According to Bontemps, there is a possibility that Houston Rockets Head Coach Mike D’Antoni might be let go after this season if the team doesn’t make a deep run in the playoffs – a deep run being beyond the Semifinals.
If that occurs, then there is a chance that there could be a major shakeup with the roster that teams like the Phoenix Suns could take advantage of.
Bontempts mentions that the Rockets are not likely to voluntarily move James Harden, but there is always that possibility. If General Manager Daryl Morey is also fired, or if the new head coach doesn’t present a philosophy or style that would suit Harden; or if they decide to blow it up for the sake of starting over quickly rather than prolonging the inevitable, then Harden very well could be floated out as a piece available in trade.
There is also the chance that Harden himself decides that he would rather move on as well.
Another early exit would be reason for him to seek greener pastures.
Harden is under contract for two more years, but while it is gigantic (a supermax), it includes a 15% trade kicker, he has a million miles on his legs playing so consistently under D’Antoni, he will only be 31-years-old come next season and should have plenty of prime left in his career worthy of acquiring.
So, if James Harden either demands a trade or is made available, the Phoenix Suns should absolutely make a run at him and hold nothing back – they already blew their chance at acquiring him in the summer of 2012 when he would have come at a faaaaaaaaaaar cheaper rate (nice job, Lance Blanks for valuing Markieff Morris so much you couldn’t include him in a trade).
But what could they possibly offer the Houston Rockets?