Trade requests are part and parcel of the NBA. Whether it’s top stars or even disgruntled role players, every season will see someone want a change of scenery. This offseason has started with James Harden possibly being on the move yet again.
Bill Simmons shared a list of stars, off the top of his head, that had requested trades in the 21st century. The list featured legendary names like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, but the top spot was reserved for Harden, who already has three trade requests in the last two-and-a-half seasons.
21ST. CENTURY TRADE REQUEST STANDINGS
Harden — 3
Kyrie — 2
Dwight – 1
Kawhi — 1
Kobe – 1
KD – 1
Butler — 1
Shaq – 1
CP3 — 1
Kidd — 1
Iverson – 1
Vince – 1
T-Mac – 1
KG — 0.5
Pierce – 0
Giannis 0
LeBron – 0
Duncan – 0
Jokic – 0
Dirk – 0
Curry – 0
Wade – 0
Congrats to James
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 29, 2023
A lot of these players have interesting stories behind their requests. We know Kobe’s story and how the Dallas Mavericks tried pairing him up with Dirk Nowitzki. Kevin Garnett being listed as 0.5 is funny because his trade was an inevitability that both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the player agreed upon in 2007.
Kyrie Irving requesting trades out of Cleveland and Brooklyn placed him at No. 2, but his former Nets teammate surpassed him with his latest request.
Interesting Changes To Requesting Trades In The New CBA
There seems to be a very clear rise in the number of players requesting trades in recent years. The Ben Simmons trade saga from 2021 is the most high-profile one that portrayed the players in a bad light. Naturally, they amended that with the new CBA, implementing fines for players that request trades publicly.
The new CBA also has restrictions on players not suiting up for teams for a number of reasons which will give the team owners a lot more protection from under-contract players looking to force their way to new teams. Thankfully for Harden, it seems the 76ers are willing to move on from him as well, so hopefully, his next stop can be the one where he succeeds and possibly retires.
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