Why the James Harden Experiment just might work; what Sam Darnold's Super Bowl says about the Browns' offseason

Highlights: Terry summarizes the flurry of activity with the Cavaliers trading for James Harden, the Browns changing coaches, and the Guardians signing José Ramírez to a long-term deal. The Cavaliers' acquisition of James Harden was part of a larger three-for-three player swap that is viewed as a significant upgrade in overall talent and toughness. Initial Terry skepticism over the Harden trade has shifted to optimism when viewing the entire package of incoming players, not just Harden himself. The trade was designed to support Donovan Mitchell by lightening his offensive and emotional load, keeping him fresher for critical moments. James Harden's debut showcased his elite offensive playmaking but also highlighted his significant defensive liabilities, confirming the trade-off the team made. The acquisition of Dennis Schroder is seen as a crucial move, bringing a feisty, aggressive identity and ball-handling to the second unit. Center Jarrett Allen has experienced a significant offensive surge, attributed to increased assertiveness and more space in the paint in Evan Mobley's absence. Coach Kenny Atkinson earned praise for his skillful development of young players and his ability to adapt to lineup changes throughout a challenging season. The Browns face a critical defensive coordinator hire, needing a candidate whose philosophy aligns with the aggressive "front-four" system Jim Schwartz established. Jim Schwartz's exit was seen as inevitable after he was passed over for the head coaching job, a move made to prevent potential "internal discord." A look back at the 2018 QB draft class ranks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson as the top talents, ironically noting that backup Sam Darnold is the only one with a Super Bowl ring. Why the Browns should pursue a QB reclamation project, such as trading for Mac Jones or Malik Willis, to develop a high-upside backup. Terry makes a strong case for top prospect Chase DeLauter to be on the Guardians' Opening Day roster, dismissing concerns over service time manipulation. José Ramírez's team-friendly contract is considered a unique anomaly, driven by a personal loyalty not to be expected from other athletes. The Guardians' quiet offseason is partially explained by a significant financial hit (est. $20 million annually) from their new, less lucrative TV rights deal. Could the Guardians swing a deal for the Dodgers' Andy Pages? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices