Houston Rockets upset about James Harden trade demand

NBA rumors: James Harden trade

Sep 12, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) warms up prior to game five of the second round against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets were apparently thrown for a loop when the James Harden trade demand became public record earlier in November.

Houston had worked with both Harden and fellow former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook in attempting to find a suitable replacement for head coach Mike D’Antoni. The organization “settled” on Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Stephen Silas.

For the Rockets’ brass, owner Tilman Fertitta included, this seemed to indicate both Harden and Westbrook were all in for the 2020-21 NBA season. Not so fast. Reports emerged that the two were not happy with the direction of the organization following the departure of D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey.

That was followed up by obvious leaks from Harden’s camp indicating that he had turned down an extension that would have made him the highest-paid player in NBA history on a per-year basis. Quickly after, reports surfaced that Harden preferred a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

Caught up yet? Sorry, we now have more information on this. It appears that the Rockets are now attempting to try Harden in the court of public opinion.

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Houston Rockets upset about James Harden trade demand

There’s a lot to look at here. First off, neither Harden nor his camp has gone on record publicly to demand a trade. Rather, they have used the media to do their bidding.

Secondly, the Rockets do have leverage here. Harden has two seasons remaining on his four-year, $171.1 million contract with Houston. They can afford to play the long game and wait this thing out.

It’s different than the Anthony Davis situation with the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the start of last season in that Davis had an ability to opt out following the 2020-21 season. He did just that with the Los Angeles Lakers.

What does this all mean? There’s so many layers to it.

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What are the Houston Rockets options?

Looking at a possible James Harden trade

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As it stands, there’s seemingly a lot of friction behind the scenes between Harden and his Rockets. The longer this plays out without a culmination, the more drama we’re going to see unfold.

Should that start to play out in a public forum, both the Rockets and Harden would be seen in a bad light. It would also lead to Houston potentially having to take less than market value in return for the all-time great scorer.

Click below for more Houston Rockets news and further analysis on a potential James Harden trade.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Rockets, check out #Rockets rumors, rankings, and news here

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