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By now, it’s well known that Houston Rockets star guard James Harden wants to be traded. Indirectly, Harden has made these demands public record.
One day after his Rockets traded away fellow former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, we’re hearing some more information on the James Harden front.
Related: Winners/losers from Russell Westbrook trade
James Harden not in Houston as season prep begins
Despite new head coach Stephen Silas indicating that he’s confident Harden will be at the team’s first practice on Sunday, it’s looking more and more like the reigning three-time NBA scoring champ is looking to force Houston’s hands here.
Once Houston conducts its first practice this coming weekend, it will be about two weeks away from the start of the 2020-21 regular season. Given that the Rockets have a completely new coaching staff following the departure of Mike D’Antoni, time is running out for Houston to mesh on the court. Potentially being without their best player could end up being a major issue.
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James Harden trade updates
Following the trade of Russell Westbrook to Washington for John Wall, the Rockets made it clear that they are not in a hurry to move Harden. He has two years remaining on his contract and is not in a position of strength.
- Previous suggestions were that the Brooklyn Nets are favorites to land James Harden in a trade. In fact, they are overwhelming betting favorites.
- More recently, news broke that the Golden State Warriors had put in a call to the Rockets about a potential James Harden trade. That came before Klay Thompson’s devastating Achilles’ injury. It’s not known whether the Warriors are still interested.
Related: James Harden trade scenarios
- The Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to James Harden, too. That’s rather obvious given that former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is running the ship in Philadelphia. However, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is not happy about Morey’s abrupt departure and could potentially veto a trade.
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