James Harden, The Recruiter

While they attempt to find a way to coax the New York Knicks into executing a trade that lands Carmelo Anthony in Houston, the Rockets have James Harden, Chris Paul and very little else.

In other words, this summer might be general manager Daryl Morey’s last best chance to build a championship roster while his team still retains some future salary cap flexibility.

Entering his sixth year as a member of the Rockets, Harden has grown from being a sometimes forgotten about sixth man to one of the league’s most valuable players.

As it relates specifically to Anthony, reports out of New York continue to state that Anthony has no desire to be traded anywhere other than Houston.

That stance will be tested, as Scott Perry, the newly installed general manager of the New York Knicks, has reportedly dug in his heels and has recommended against the franchise accepting Ryan Anderson in any trade.

Fortunately for Morey, Harden is a star recruiter, so if things don’t work out with Anthony, what other options would the Rockets have? Not having a first round pick to trade until 2020 at the earliest, the Rockets may find it difficult to build their roster via trade.

If Harden is the recruiter that Morey believes he is, though, they may still be a team worth watching.